Wednesday, April 17, 2019

STAYING ON GOD'S HIGHWAY

There are many highways that we must travel down within our life time; some lead us into a higher relationship with Jesus Christ and yet others seem to point us in the wrong direction. Unlike our normal navigational devices, we don't have such within our spiritual life. There are some principles, however that do! 
  1. Because God’s Word strengthens our faith in Christ, reading daily will guide our directional path. “ cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). 
  2. Because God offers us strength through His word “… the word of truth”...we can grow. Truth, like any other word in our language Everywhere we turn on our journey, the concept of truth is questioned that or this and or are there any corroborating facts involved. God declares that His truth is absolute; something we can depend on and follow daily? 
  3. So how can we understand God’s Will for our lives and how does His Will help? (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We search and search for God’s Will, as if it was lost and in need of a discovery. His word is never the meanings behind many of what is offered. Scripture supports Scripture; therefore, never depend on one verse or phrase to support your directional path. Search out other locations to corroborate the intended means.  
Getting on God’s Highway of Life is the hardest. Belief / faith are required be the first step. Let’s look at the at the some steps along the way:
  1. There is but one on-ramp. John 14:6 states: No one comes to the Father except through me who believe that this statement is too narrow and to accept such would specific on-ramp; not giving us the ability to search and accept other ideas. Although specific and narrow a path, it was done for a specific reason. Names define and identify groups or an individual based on and distinguished by to make it or a class level based on authority. If we stray from or try to alternate the name, it become a nickname / a fact-seminally / a copy. We hear this from other people groups that is just a language difference, but in fa copy is – they always try to change the meaning to fit an agenda. Be aware that John 14:6 direction – an on-ramp that much be taken if you are to move in the right direction to your desired final location. Anything else is just a detour.
  2. Detours fall short on God’s Highway – distractions come and go throughout life; most will not disrupt a pathway, but some will take us down a road that will lead to a dead end. Truckers know, more than any of us, that once committed to a direction, dead ends where you cannot turn around are a problem. What do you do in this situation? Do you try to turn around or back up an 18-wheeler to a place where that is possible? Disruptions in life do occur when we are not fully aware of our surroundings or watchful as to the path we select.  Romans 2:23 suggests that we are proud; that we know what is good and bad for us, but still we go ahead down an untested path. "You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it." Every pathway has been tested fully by Him, but we still wish to explore new avenues and if they lead to a dead end, many times we blame others, conditions, circumstances, and or eve God for the outcome. Would it not be better to just trust God as our GPS?
  3. Correction – no one finds it pleasant to say “I am sorry” or forgive me.” If we have gone down a certain road that has seemly been untested for many hours / days / months / years, saying I am sorry is difficult. Repentance is just that – a means of starting over and having a fresh start. If you are on that road that will come to a dead end in the not so distance future, would it not be logical to turn around at the first opportunity? Correctional path modifications hurt and can be difficult for us and those around us, but change is necessary and I am sorry is a start. Loosing weigh of sin gets rid of a load that we continuously are carrying. Even when we regain our direction compass through repentance, Satan likes to continuously bring our pass up as guilt. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Pathway alteration or correction of a direction is the beginning of a new and specific path that He has determined for your best. It is not a case that would restrict our life, but increases our potential for life in Him.
  4. Hauling the Right Load – God uses the word “fruit” a great deal in the Bible, but what does that truly look like. In the trucking industry when your refrigeration gives out, the product requiring such a service doesn’t smell too good. If you are to haul the right load, you need to be prepared to have all the supporting equipment. God is the perfect dispatcher and will never allow you to leave the yard without having the right equipment, but we have to do our part – we need to continuously check on our load. In verse 30 of Matthew 11, Jesus describes the load He wants to dispatch. “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” No need to be worried about the “chicken-coup” as to being overweight or not having the right equipment; for He doesn’t dispatch us unless we have on the full-armor-of-God in place. God’s Word makes it very clear that there is evil in the world today and we are in a battle. Revelation 12:12 says, “Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! HE is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” For this reason, Paul urges us to “put on the full armor of God so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes.” Hauling the right load and delivering it to the right place is a partnership – trust God to direct your path.
  5. No mixing loads – the best way to not get onto the wrong path is to not mix loads. You would not put some items together – chemicals with food / cattle into a truck that is designed for frozen goods – the cattle would not like being cold while they are alive! “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:16-23). 
  6. Reaching your final Destination – all of us like to get home to family / friends and other love ones. When Jesus went to heaven after enduring the Cross, He stated that He would return for us – for there we will be with Him for eternality. This is not our home, but just a terminal that we are passing through. Truckers operate out of distribution points (terminals) where materials and goods are off-loaded and loaded. They are transportation hubs that serve to exchange materials and not our final destination. Heave is! There may be bumps along the way – truck breakdowns / flat-tires / tickets / etc., but they all are just items that occur on our pathway home. Believe and trust that the pathway is a journey and in such needs to be traveled to get to where we are heading. Journeys take time and effort; not like Star Trek – beam be up Scottie! No that it will take time / energy / self-sacrifice of every kind to get us home. Also know that time is a concern – we maybe in God’s Weighing Room for a period of time. That doesn’t mean He has forgotten us, but just training us to take on the next assignment. Be patience, God knows what He is doing and will always have your back. Stay the course.
God waits patiently for us, wants us to change direction, and doesn't want us to get to the point of a dead end to ask.

The question is - how long are you willing to travel down the wrong road before altering your direction.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and ea with that person, and they with me."
(Revelation 3:20)
CDLMinistries

Friday, April 5, 2019

SPRING 2019: 21-Days of Praise and Worship

It is that time again -- Spring -- and CDLMinistries has started our 21-Days of Praise and Worship "Under the Big Top." 

Note: to prepare for this event -- CLMinistries / CrossRoads Church of Tyler Tx is having a covered dish gathering on 6-April at 6:00 p.m. at CrossRoads (13730 TX-155 S, Tyler, TX 75703). Tough the address and you will get a map. Call me (John) if you have any questions.


Contact DeeAnn Brunson (903) 521-9394 or John Hensman (972) 467-7829 for details of open nights. As before, typically we have limited nights the longer you wait.

HAPPY EASTER 2019




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Sunday, February 17, 2019

God works through His People

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and he power to do what pleases Him
Philippians 2:3

Over the past few months we have seen the hand of God working through our ministry. When things seem impossible and we get discouraged that we are not making a true impact, God shows up!

The Bible is full of stories about God using 
Ordinary people in Extraordinary ways 

Think of your favorite biblical character or person. Before they were well-know, they were an unknown. The Lord tends to take nobodies and make them into somebody. He typically uses those who were broken and humble, rather that those who are proud and arrogant.

We may think we are the biggest thing that every hit the Christian scene, but if we are to be truly effective, we need to allow God to direct-traffic. Only through Him can our ministry continue to meet the needs of those on the road.   

CLMinstries has been partnering with CrossRoads Church of Tyler Texas for the past two-three years for a specific purpose -- share Christ by giving out lunches to the truck-drivers who stop at Love's Truck Stop, Van Texas during a holiday period. Below is our most recent out-reach on 16-Feb-2019. 

Collectively, we handed out 75 meals and some 20-25 Bibles in a little more than one-hour. Most accepted by saying "thanks," yet others found this gift of love from Him who offered. Our effectiveness to reach others is only possible if the Holy Spirit first softens their heart. We give God the glory for those hearts soften.

 
THE FACES OF THOSE WE SERVE - AS THEY SERVE US AS A NATION
Let us never forget and always remember that "God Love Truck Drivers Too"

If you ever feel like you aren't worthy enough, remember that Jesus used a bunch of flawed people to share Hope to a flawed world. In Him, we find renewal and mending. Jesus didn't call the equipped, He equipped the called. And no matter what you've been through in life, remember that the same power that conquered the grave lives with you. Truck drivers, much like all of us need to know they are loved. That is what CDLMinistries is all about. 

Come be apart of God's Ministry and see Him show up!

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Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Christmas - New Year 2018


CDLMinistries continues to 
pray for each one of you as you serve our Nation 

We had two special events in December. On 22-December we had the chance to ministry to those coming through Love's Truck Stop in Van Texas. Teaming with Crossroads Church in Tyler Texas, we handed out some 65 lunch bags and 35 Bibles on both east and west parking lot (some pictures below). The response was great.



On New Years Day we continued blessing those coming through Love's and handed out 27 bags of goodies and 14 Bibles. Our grandchildren from Dallas came in for the New Year and help make up all the bags and assisted in handing them out. 



Although we blessed many, heard testimonies of God's saving grace, and shook a number of hands; we are the ones who truly got blessed from their smiling faces. Many simply stated: "I have been on the road for several years and no one ever took the time to say THANK YOU!" 
We pray
God Protect Them As They Travel


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Monday, October 1, 2018

Praise and Worship Event - Fall 2018

Praise and Worship Event - 2018
23-Sept through 13-Oct, nightly - 6:30 p.m.
To God be the Glory

CDLMinistries offers every Sunday Morning services for those who are traveling through our community at 8:00 a.m. within the The FarmHouse Restaurant, Van Texas. Twice a year, in mid-Spring and Fall, we come together with several churches to host a special event:

21-Day Praise and Worship 
Under the Big-Top  

WHAT IS A REVIVAL: 
The primary purpose of such a Special Event is: 
  • Helping each of us to simply pause from our busy schedules to come together to seek God's face and reevaluate our life's directional path. It is a special time of sharing music and Scripture as a family
  • It also allows us the opportunity to talk to others and our Heavenly Father about things that are troubling; knowing that He is listening and wants to help, and finally
  • Gives us the ability to have a special encounter with Jesus Christ (face-to-face), knowing that still He cares and can change our life around 
Why do we do this?

There are times when life can be very overwhelming. When we feel that the questions of life out weigh the answers seem to be allusive! In those moments. when hope feels so far away, we need someone to help. The great thing about a revival is - there are still people out there who really care, giving us the opportunity to shift our perspective, allowing us to address specific needs and answer the questions we have been unable to solve. It is a special time where relationships are mended, families are reunited, and lives are changed. No matter what you are facing or what circumstance brought you to us, we would love to pray with you.

Come join us -- continue praying for us and most important -- find out how you can help us! We purchase $500 to $1,000 dollars (annually) of support materials to hand out "free of charge" to those visiting our services and that is only possible through you as a love offering. 


May God Bless you as you pray through how you can be apart of our ministry
Dee Anne Brunson
903-521-9394
or
John Hensman
972-467-7829



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Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Christmas - 2017

CDLMinistries receives notes from those we serve as to the impact we have in the lives of others. Below is a note received recently. 

We wanted to share it with you!


That was the first truck stop that I have ever stopped that someone asked me "if I wanted a plate lunch." I was heading into the store, right before noon today, when a nice lady pushing a stroller ask me if I would like a plate lunch, I said, "sure when I come out I'll get one. Well when I came out of the truck stop there was another lady there with a plate lunch and ask me if I would like one." 

   I told her sure -- how much -- I'll go to my truck and get the money for it. She told me "its free and thank you for all you do. I want to return the thanks for all of what you  all are doing out there." 

   I'm a preacher's kid (have been for all my life) and I just started this job and it has been hard being out here on the road and not being able to go home every night; not being able to see my kids, but one time a month and it was Christmas. I think this is the first time I cried while pumping my fuel and the five miles after leaving the truck stop and little after, just because someone gave me a plate lunch. 

   God bless your ministry; you may not know it, but that really meant a lot to me today. I got thinking -- what would be great is, to be able to load a 53 foot trailer, like I haul from coast to coast, that if I had the money to do it, go to different churches and pickup things people don't use and bring it to needy families. 

  Thanks again to whoever gave me the plate lunch today, it was great and greatly appreciated.



“And the Lord said unto the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and

compel them to come in, that my house be filled.’” Luke 14:23

Saturday, November 4, 2017

21 Days of Prayer and Worship - Fall 2017


During our Fall 2017 Event, we have truly been blessed by several people who have shared God's Word. We wish to thank each and everyone who contributed. Within this blog are just some of those who helps to support our ministry to the truck drivers that come through Love's Truck Stop in Van, TX. 

Jim and Vicki Ferguson gave testimonies as to how God saved them during the April 29, 2017 tornado event that hit Fruitvale, TX.

They are truly a blessing as to what God can do "even within a storm." The link offers their story.

They have begun to rebuild thanks to so many in their community / church family and friends. Please continue to pray for all affected by this storm who may not have others to help.  

Others offered music and testimony as to what God is doing in their church and communities around the area. With all the trouble we see and hear nightly in the news and read in the paper, it was refreshing to know that God is in control and remains on His throne.

Although turnout was light, with respect to truck drivers during our event, those who did attend received prayer and blessings through each of us. We handed out more than 1-1/2 cases of Bibles (24/case) both in English and Spanish. In conjunction with several other churches in the area (collectively) we have given out lunch bags size units of food and other materials that can be used while they travel down our nation's highways. More than once we were told that "something just happen to their truck or allotted drive time ran out forcing them to stop just before we started our nightly service.

Everyone at CDLMinistries have received special blessings during these past 8-1/2 years of serving this community -- the forgotten drivers that do so much for our nation daily. We pray for their safety as they travel and that they find God in 
everything they do.

Cost of operations remain our concern, but God does provide. The tent we use was purchase by CDLM two years ago to reduce annual rental costs. With this purchase we have been able to save funds that allow us to buy more Bibles. We depend on those reading this blog and attending our services to help us meet the needs of our ministry. Please be in prayer as to how you can be involved in the future. Time is very short - Christ is about to return to retrieve His people and we need to be about doing His work to share His love. Help us do just that.


It is all about Him and not about Us!
Only through Christ can we do what we are doing here at CDLMinstries.

THANK YOU JESUS

If you would like to know more about our ministry,
please contact us by email or phone.