journey onWord with us

Today we tear another page from the calendar.  I wonder if anyone else noticed there are only four remaining in 2014!  It’s not likely I’d get any argument suggesting that this summer, and this year, has been a vapor.  Some children have already started back to school.  My two boys will tomorrow.  I could swear we were just sitting around the kitchen table making our summer reading and bucket lists, but alas, last night we sat around that same table and looked back to see how we did.

As common as this feeling may be, I expect there are many who would be quick to qualify the “vapor.”  They wouldn’t have to think long before recounting stories of “seasons” during the summer (or year) where they weren’t sure the clock would ever strike twelve midnight or a new week or month would ever come.  I join those who would be quick to qualify.  My year has flown by but it has also been marked by periods where time seemed to stand still.  Periods defined by deep darkness and pain that fought to swallow the promise of a new dawn.

Yet through it all, I have heard the words of Jesus speak.  Sometimes they were whispers of general encouragement, challenge or comfort for the bigger journey.  Many other times, targeted truths spoken directly into the events or details of my right then.  Time and time again, the daily readings of the words of Jesus came alive in my life and I experienced the deep truth of Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

I’ll confess to having the thought several times that the focus God laid on our hearts at Journey onWord last Fall might have been just for me.  I wish I had the forethought in January to begin to journal my personal stories of sacred intersections with the words of Jesus this year.  I wonder if you would say the same or can remember vividly where the Spirit has used them to encourage, challenge or comfort you.

In researching, drafting and then finalizing the daily reading schedule for 2014, there was always a gap at the very end of the schedule.  No matter where we drew the lines of division or intentionally placed passages in the schedule, we always came up a bit short in covering the entirety of the calendar year.  After considering “options” late last year for the twenty-six open days in December, we decided to leave them open to God’s leading.  Specific inspiration for filling the gap came just recently as the thoughts I expressed above began to form.

In confident belief that God has used the words of Jesus intentionally and meaningfully in more than just my life this year, we would like to offer the opportunity for you to partner with us in filling the final 26 days of our reading schedule.  We pray you will take some time and reflect on the nearly three-quarters of this year that has passed and share a specific passage with us that has been especially meaningful in your life.  If you have a story that accompanies it, we’d love for you to share that too.  We believe this will be a powerful way to end a very meaningful year at Journey onWord.

We are trusting God with this invitation, so respond as (and when) you feel led.  It has been our great pleasure to share a journey with you through scripture again this year.  What a great way to spend it, focusing only on the words of Jesus.  Thank you for coming alongside.  God bless your time of reflection and the remainder of our journey together this year through the words of Jesus.

“This is just my cross to bear,” are words which people have spoken in particularly hard seasons of life. You may have even spoken words like this yourself. I know I have! Why? Because life is sometimes very hard, and we all relate pain and suffering with a cross. It’s interesting to me that when I think of those words, I readily associate them with the biblical truth that all Christ-followers are called to carry their own crosses or they can’t be His disciples (Luke 14:27). Strong words for sure, but words that Christ conveyed to a large crowd that was following Him one day.

The words Christ spoke to the large crowd are words that we all should take very seriously in our right now. Sometimes in an effort to make the gospel palatable to all, we want to make it all about what is offered (which is amazing!), without speaking of what it costs (the real cost of discipleship). Kyle Idleman speaks to this very issue in his book, Not a Fan.

“So in case someone left it out or forgot to mention it when they explained to you what it meant to be a Christian, let me be clear: There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no surrender without death. There is no believing without committing.”

I have meditated on Luke 14:25-33 over the last several days. Christ’s words are so strong in this passage and they should never be ignored. In my last article, I discussed the cost of discipleship from this passage, and in the next few lines, I would like to place emphasis on two more statements that cannot be ignored.

Luke 14:27 (MSG)
Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.

Luke 14:33 (MSG)
Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to  you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.

There is no way to read these two verses and not believe that Christ is demanding total allegiance. And I should also mention that tucked between these verses are two parables about counting the cost. I believe Jesus was making a paramount point to all those in the crowd about the cost of discipleship. Christ wants to be the primary allegiance for anyone who follows Him. It should never be Christ plus; it should always be Christ above all else!

I’m sure you agree with the words of Jesus. But today, August 29, 2014, how is your journey of discipleship going? An old song called, Whatever it Takes, by Lanny Wolfe came to my mind as I pondered Christ above all. Note the discipleship heart in these two verses.

Take the dearest things to me,
If that’s how it must be,
To draw me closer to Thee;
Let the disappointments come,
Lonely days without the sun,
If through sorrow more like You I become.

I’ll trade sunshine for rain
Comfort for pain –
That’s what I’ll be willing to do –
For whatever it takes for my will to break,
That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

“Whatever it takes” is the heart of a disciple. It takes nothing to sing the words, and everything to live them. I’ll ask again, how is your journey of discipleship going?  Are you counting the cost?  Are you calculating it but not paying it?  Does your heart feel the words; does your mouth sing the words; does your life live the words?  Take heart, no matter your answers, Jesus wants to join you on your journey.  He’ll forgive where forgiveness is needed; He’ll speak encouragement, gift courage, and carry your burden; He’ll walk step by step with you through its full length.

Although we would never insert ourselves, because He and only He is able, we’ve prayed to be His hands and feet if you feel the prompt to reach out to someone.  We are companions on the journey.

Friday was another mike day.  My daughter and I have coded when we do something funny, dumb or absent-minded as a mike. My mike came by trying to remove a lateral file cabinet (big) from our basement. A good friend, who works with us, was in need of just such a cabinet, so we decided to finish the job on Friday. After taking two of the file drawers out of the cabinet, we determined that we could remove the cabinet with the help of my old, small dolly. Wrong conclusion!  With the cabinet and dolly stuck in position half way up the stairs (and fearing for my life), my wife bolted to a neighbor’s house begging for help.  With no friends in sight, she ran to a stranger’s house, pounding on the door.  After a quick introduction, she blurted, “Do you have a man in the house?”  The stunned lady obliged and Steve (our new best friend) saved the day.  A close call all because my friend and I didn’t count the cost.

Words that I read yesterday morning from the lips of Jesus were all about counting the cost. The cost of discipleship, that is. On one particular day, Jesus was being followed by a large crowd, and made what may seem to many to be a strange or even contradictory statement.  If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26 ESV) Was He asking those following Him (and us today) to hate those they loved to be a follower of His?  Certainly not! The context of the words of Jesus was to compare the love for family and our self to how we love Him. So the word “hate” was used to show a stark comparison, to emphasize His view of discipleship. Most Christ-followers struggle with the high cost of genuine discipleship … Christ above all!

Since this is such an important subject for all believers, I will take two posts to examine the cost of discipleship.  Salvation is a free gift that comes by faith; discipleship is for those willing to pay a price. The question for you and I is, are we willing to pay the price of genuine discipleship? … Christ above all!  In studying this subject, I came across a message by Tom Rietveld in which he quoted words that I believe convey my point better than I could:

Few sermons have affected me more than Bishop Richard Snyder’s powerful message given at the 1995 Free Methodist General Conference in Anderson, Indiana. The thing that Bishop Snyder said that most affected me in his 1995 message was this… “We must be a discipled…people. It is absolutely essential for us to return to a thorough study of the Scriptures. Pop-theology, found in so many of the easy-to-read and popular books has left the church with a generation of believers who have little knowledge of the Word of God… We are calling the church to purposeful, serious attention to God’s Word. Without this, we will miss His Way and we will starve spiritually. Neglect of this is the one and only thing that will take us away from our roots and spoil our fruitfulness.”

Finally, I want to share two sentences with you from the man who was said to be C. S. Lewis’ favorite Christian author, G. K. Chesterton. He said…

The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried.
G. K. Chesterton in “What’s Wrong with the World,” Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no. 1.

I am willing to admit my periodic mikes.  In this particular one, I didn’t count the cost. I’m sure you can relate. I never want to be a Mike that is unwilling to count the cost of discipleship, because then I will have made a decision to choose my own way above the way of Christ.  Are you willing to consider with me the cost of discipleship? And then say, “YES! Christ above all!”

This article will be the last of our archive articles from 2009, the year Journey OnWord started. Recently, I have noticed lots of pain and hurt, and from my perspective the best answer to life’s great stressors come from God Himself. So view this article in light of your world today, and respond as He leads.

Have you ever noticed how noisy your journey has become?  Non-stop vehicles of communication have overtaken our world, and we have embraced it. Because of all the great technology that we all love, our lives have journeyed further down the path toward the elimination of solitude, that we so desperately need. It would be less than honest of me to say that I am not caught in that very same web.  I need, as do you, a sense of quiet that tunes our ear to the Father’s voice.  Distractions (even good ones) will pull at the relationship every believer in Christ wants with the Father. Our Father desires for us to know Him, and wants to be the first priority on our journey.

When the issues of life get really tough, then we want God on speed dial.  Needing the Father in this way reminds me of something that happened many years ago, walking my daughter to school. As we headed into her school, she fell and hurt her leg quite badly. Immediate tears and pain jarred dad into action. My desire to protect her and fix everything went into overdrive. Nobody else needed to help her … I would!

It remains important to me, even after all these years that I was able to calm her down and meet her need in that moment of pain. My father moment begs the question, “Who else but your heavenly Father can really calm your spirit and heal your hurts?”  The noise generated by distractions and stresses in our lives so often drowns out the voice of a God who desperately wants to speak peace to our hearts.  Stop for a minute, get quiet, and meditate on a verse that can give perspective to the will of the Father and what He wants from us …

Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
Be still and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10a (NASB)
Cease striving and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10 (MSG)
Step out of the traffic! Take a long
loving look at Me, your High God,
above politics, above everything

In the context of danger and turmoil, what does God say? Whether you prefer “be still,” “cease striving,” or “step out of the traffic!” the intent is clear. Do nothing. Know God. The Message paints a great visual. “Take a long loving look at Me.” Are you getting to know the Father better? Or are the distractions and turmoil drowning out the Father’s voice? “Be still.”  “Cease striving.” “Step out of the traffic!” The Creator of heaven and earth wants to speak peace … and I believe you want to hear Him.

My role is not to tell you how to grow in silence and solitude with the Father, but honest hearts will confess whether they are often distracted from His voice. He is the author of the solution, and you don’t have to look any farther than Psalm 46:10 to find His answer.

All this technology is fun, and also has the potential to be a great source of spiritual good. But it should never pull us from the one true Source of all spiritual good. Don’t wait for really tough times to develop a quiet heart. Be still, and just maybe “the things of earth will grow strangely dim,” and the peace and joy of the Father will engulf your life — today!

If you’re like me, being intentional about remembering important events in our lives sometimes escapes us. Taking the opportunity to create mile markers (Piling up Stones), for us as well as those who come behind us, is something that was modeled over and over in scripture. I hope you enjoy this post from a few years ago as much as I do.

We approach, arrive at, and then pass significant markers in our life.  They can be a number, like turning 13, 21, 30, 50 … and beyond.  They can be stages of life, like the first day of school, becoming a teenager, graduating, getting married, becoming a parent, and then a parent with an empty nest.  And what about our spiritual lives?  There’s salvation, baptism, and … second coming?!  Do we ever take the time to stop at significant moments on our spiritual journey, stay for a bit, and memorialize?  Have you ever piled up stones?

“Piled up stones?!” you might ask.  There are multiple examples in the Old Testament of occasions where characters or groups stopped and built a marker, or monument, to commemorate the location of an event or occasion of significance in their lives with God.  Let’s take a brief look at one significant moment where an entire nation piled up stones.

At the beginning of chapter 4 in the book of Joshua, we find the nation of Israel in the afterglow of a miraculous intervention from God.  They had just completed crossing the river Jordan on dry ground.  And before moving on, God has some very specific instructions for them…

Joshua 4:1-3 (MSG)
When the whole nation was finally across,
God spoke to Joshua: “Select twelve men
from the people, a man from each tribe,
and tell them, ‘From right here, the middle
of the Jordan where the feet of the priests are
standing firm, take twelve stones. Carry
them across with you and set them down
in the place where you camp tonight.'”

God is requesting that the nation of Israel pile up stones.  His primary purpose in making this request was to teach forward the great message of his care and love for his people, and his direct intervention and deliverance in their lives.  And although God specifically mentions teaching future generations in his instructions to Joshua, He also ends verse 7 with…

“… These stones are a permanent
memorial for the People of Israel.”

I believe this broadened and personalized its significance in the lives of both those who were a part of the miracle, and generations to come.

I love the idea of piling up stones, but i also love that people rarely stayed where they piled their stones.  It was a marker, not a destination; a place of communing, honoring and rest, but not a final resting place.  I love the thought that they paused, built, honored, and then moved on.

I would encourage you to expose your senses to the marker moments in your own spiritual journey.  Listen and watch, and then take action in finding, and piling up stones.  Stop a bit to praise God for who He is, what He did and how it has changed you.  And then, after an appropriate time of reflection and rest, make sure to leave your marker and move on.  What would your earthly life have amounted to, if you had stopped and stayed as a kindergartener, teenager, or a parent with a full nest?  And what will your spiritual life count for if you stop at salvation?  Sometimes your journey will be more wander than walk, more wilderness than path.  What a blessing it would be, if in the midst of a wander in a wilderness circle, you pass by one of your piles of stones.  Because as much as markers point in the direction you are going, they can be a reminder of where, and to whom you need to return.

On a recent business trip, I had the opportunity to sit next a fellow believer who just happened to live in the same southern city as my daughter and son-in-law. During our conversation, He shared that his daughter was in the process of planning a wedding. When I began telling him that my daughter had just recently been married there, he came to life! He immediately began asking about the church, the reception venue and all the associated details. What an amazing God-authored moment it turned out to be as this fellow traveler continued on to share that it happened to be the very weekend they were beginning to search for the venue for the reception and would certainly be looking into the one we had used.

As I talked, he took notes and made plans to contact his daughter when we landed in Montréal. Why was he so interested in all of the details of my daughter’s wedding? And why did he seem to implicitly trust what I was telling him? I believe it was because I had been down a road he was about to travel. It also seemed that being a fellow Christ-follower meant the information I was sharing with him (that he would use in beginning his own daughter’s wedding journey) was trustworthy. We both realized and acknowledged that our seat choices (he was normally in first class) were no happenstance. It was the divine hand of a loving God leading two of his children into a space where they could share information and encourage each other.  May I (and we) always obey the truth and challenge of Scripture in our God-authored opportunities.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up
1 Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV)

But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.
Hebrews 3:13 (HCSB)

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

Our lives should reflect Christ’s love.  Our temperaments should be friendly and welcoming, seeking to attract the lost and encourage fellow Christ-followers. Look for opportunities to encourage each other today.

My parents are experts at creating outdoor spaces that both relax and inspire.  At every home they’ve owned, they seem to have the Midas touch with decks, porches, plantscaping and unique rest stops for any number of varieties of friendly fowl. It has become routine for them to begin and end each day observing God’s creation in one of their ever-evolving spaces.

I had the chance to join them last week, as my family stopped for a brief visit during our return from summer vacation.  I thoroughly immersed myself in the sights, sounds and scents of the surroundings, and the coffee and conversation which was the perfect complement.  One specific morning, my mother’s recount of one of hers and my father’s morning conversations provided a beautiful and natural illustration of a biblical truth that I would love to share with you.  The question my father asked during that conversation spilled over into ours that morning, and something I had heard and been taught all my life came alive in brilliant color.

The thing I’d heard and been taught? … God doesn’t need our money, our talents or our efforts to accomplish His plan and purpose for this world, but He does give us the amazing gift of the opportunity to participate in it.  And when we do, what we receive is far more amazing and beautiful than what little good we did.  God is so gracious in His design for all created things.

The question considered in conversation?  … How do birds know where to find food?  My parents do their part (and maybe a bit more) in providing for the birds of the air.  There is abundant and intentional sustenance and a place to cool or wash off.  Yet absent those things, the birds in their small corner of the world would still survive.  If they sold their home and moved, or decided to stop filling the bird feeders and baths, the birds would find food and water elsewhere.  God has provided an instinct within the birds to find food (Matt. 6:26), and in the thought that followed that comma in my mind (the gift of accepting the invitation to participate in God’s plan), appeared in the brilliant red of the male cardinal and stunning yellow of the American finch.

In their small efforts to provide food and shelter for the birds, my parents are gifted the beautiful sights and sounds of these winged creations.  The red streak of the male cardinal in flight, the low hum and graceful movements of the hovering hummingbird – the landscape would be so much less without them.  God doesn’t need us in much the same way as the birds don’t need my mom and dad.  But He desires our presence and revels in going with us into the work He is doing in the created world.  We are His masterpiece, and He created us for specific purposes (Eph 2:10).

Be encouraged today to get up and get moving in the direction of what He has for you.  Any “sacrifice” you offer is multiplied exponentially as blessing in the lives of those you serve and even more so in your own.  These thoughts might not be the most revolutionary you’ll ever hear, but they’re also not “for the birds.”

As we commemorate our anniversary, we offer a blog from October 2009.  And since this describes my Thursday yesterday, I thought it was only fitting! Be encouraged…

Have you ever noticed how Monday mornings are times of good self-talk?  We have thoughts of a better week, a better diet (no french fries this week), plus an, “I can do it attitude”.  But as we journey through the week, something happens.  And by Thursday, we are just surviving … and eating those fries again.  What happened?   Energy drains come from a multitude of sources and come at you from all sides.  It could be people who drain you, kids who pull at you, or just the sheer amount of responsibility that conquers your week.  And then leaves you gasping for air, as you head into the weekend.  Before you know it, you arrive at the Monday morning of another new week!  A fresh perspective on how to approach all your days may just help you convert your weeks into meaningful victories.

Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face so a man’s heart reflects the man.

As I have thought about this verse, it has become obvious to me that the heart too often reflects a weary man.  The weight of the journey and the energy drains too often are a reflection of our tired hearts.  If you don’t believe me, just look around.  But I am convinced that an application of just a couple of verses, with an attitude of, “I can apply them,” can help anyone begin a strategy of daily rejoicing.  The weeks may not be “easier” but the energy gains from the Holy Spirit will be noticeable.  When a person’s heart reflects the joy of the Father, others (especially those who are closest to them) will see visible evidence of life as He meant it to be.  Consider these verses …

Psalm 118:24
This is a day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.

You would probably agree that the above verses are easily passed over.  We all know the principle of rejoicing, but the reality may seem a bit fanatical … even to most who call themselves Christians.  Reflect a bit on your life this week.  And evaluate how you have approached each day.  And when you contrast the Scripture above, don’t confuse the verses with happy self-talk.   They can be the norm for anyone who has come into a life changing relationship with Christ.  But how?!   A couple of thoughts may give us a start:

• Start each day personalizing a prayer of Psalm 118:24. “Father you have made this day for me to be a reflection of your love and grace. I rejoice now with a glad heart in the opportunities you will place before me today”.
• Decide that rejoicing is a reflection of your trust, not a reflection of your day.  Every day will have its set of trials.  But the Father says “rejoice”, and by a choice of the will, we can.

Challenge yourself with the verses above, daily for just one week.  You will find that the application of Scripture in such a simple form will change your week, and ultimately, your life.  Believe the verses, quote them, personalize them and leave each day to the Father.  And in all of it, find joy in your journey!

He was only 21 years old when he gave his life for his country.  He had been detected, arrested, sentenced to death and hanged all within the span of 12 hours.  It is still unclear, after all these years, how he was found out, but in September  of 1776, moments before the noose around his neck was tightened, Captain Nathan Hale uttered those famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

On my nightstand these days is the book George Washington’s Secret Six, the story of the first American spy ring.  A brief synopsis: the British were occupying New York City and Long Island and it was imperative that the Americans regain control of this coastal area.  Gen. Washington was desperate for information about troop movements and ship arrivals, so he began to develop a spy ring inside of New York. The first volunteer for the mission was Yale grad Nathan Hale – smart, educated, enthusiastic … and completely unprepared.  That got me thinking.

Our daily lives are not the life of ease, are they?  Not just the daily obligations and responsibilities we deal with, but the pressures and temptations of this complicated world have their effect on us.  I will admit I’ve even been amazed (and yes a little taken back) by the current crop of television programs.  Seems to me, the more salacious, the higher the ratings.  And don’t even get me started on the nightly news – bombings, planes full of innocent people shot out of the air, starving ill children – how do we prepare for each day, each week … for this life?

From Ephesians chapter 6 (NLT):

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

v. 10-11, 13-17

So according to Ephesians, we need to put on armor , a belt, special shoes, a helmet and a shield every day in order to be prepared enough to get through our days! Yet most of us plow through on our own power, unprepared and unprotected for the daily attacks, and (I am the most guilty) we only go to God for our armor when we have found ourselves backed into a corner.

Nathan Hale had never been to Manhattan or Long Island – he was from Connecticut.  He was completely unfamiliar with the lay of the land. He had no friends on the island.  He posed as a school teacher looking for work, but the school year had begun weeks before.  His cover was blown; he was unprepared and he paid for that with his life.  In hindsight, it was a foolish mission full of vulnerabilities, and Washington greatly regretted the loss of Hale for the rest of his life.

Their eyes were on the need for information; their neglect was in preparing a believable cover for young Hale.  The enemy saw right through him.

Don’t underestimate our enemy; he, too, will see right through us if we are unprepared.  Scripture and prayer is our armor, our strength and our shield.

Don’t go into enemy territory without preparation.

It was almost five years ago when I wrote about releasing control of our struggles. Five years later, trusting God with every part of our lives is still a problem for most of us. So as you read one of our anniversary archive articles….consider releasing your control issues to the Father!

It was a special day when my daughter learned to ride a bike by herself. Dad was great at holding her up and running alongside, but letting go was not so easy. Releasing her to ride by herself was a big step for me, because falling was an option. Learning to ride a bike seems like such a small issue now, because there have been far bigger release points along our journey. If you have children, your mind can easily go to a myriad of release points that have been difficult, maybe even gut wrenching, yet needed.  Our struggle is control, or the lack thereof. With my hands on the bike, she was not falling, but she needed the freedom to ride (or crash) on her own. Today’s thoughts are not about riding or our children, but about our willingness to release our grip on issues that we want to control.  My memories, and the one’s that may be rushing through your mind right now, give us a reflection point about our anywhere from discomfort, to outright unwillingness to release control of life to God. The freedom He has designed for is often wrestled away by our tight grip.

People in your life that you can’t control, a job problem that you can’t fix, bitterness and hurt that constantly hound you, fears that grip you, possessions that are hard to release, habits that you are dying to stop… I am sure you could complete this post with specific “bikes” you are controlling. Our faith teaches that we can give our burdens to the Father, and walk boldly in freedom. But if your faith is anything like mine, human frailties and my sin often leap ahead of my heartfelt intentions. Releasing our struggles back to the Father will need to be part of our journey experience on a daily basis. Without conscious releasing, there will be constant unneeded burdens. Look at what His Word tells us …

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

My assumption is that everyone has a “bike” that they need to release. Your issue is not to free your child, but to free yourself. The counsel of God’s Word points directly to the source of truth and freedom. And He would not tell us to cast our burdens on Him if he wasn’t willing and able to take them.

Are you still holding onto something?  Do you need to stop running alongside?  Can you embrace the release, and see in your mind’s eye, the joy of the resulting ride?

We all have given and received gifts … and maybe the gift was a bike. I believe the Giver of all good gifts wants you to enjoy the amazing gift of freedom. He wants you to stop holding onto the bikes of fear, and possessions and hurts. He wants you to release them into His loving care. When the Father provides a burden lifted, you’ll have an incredible gift.  A gift better than even the most expensive bike!