The Ride

Rusty spends some much needed time discussing the tongue and how it plays a major part in the life of a believer. James tells us that blessing and cursing should not come from the same place - "it should not be so". We must keep control over what we say - especially when the words from our own mouth may not, at times, fully agree with the truth of the Word.

Rusty contrasts some of the motivations we have against the vision that God would have for us. Knowing that God's plans are wholly good for us, why would we ever want to seek destinations that don't align with the Master's? Are we shining up a badge that means less than nothing when the important things are counted?

Rusty remembers that our earthly life has a way to confuse and get us to unfocus from the one thing that can bring us ultimate joy and freedom. Our ride through life has but one key - perhaps down deep we already know what that is - or rather, Who. Let's not be confused but clear -- Jesus is the key and he offers a the only freedom that we will ever need.

Rusty James thinks about how we sometimes cannot understand the plan God has for us, let alone the entire world. Looking at how our mortality causes us to be limited in our thinking, Rusty reminds us that it's ok to not understand it all but that is no excuse for not operating according to the pattern that Christ has given us. We have our walking papers... let's walk on with a purpose larger than we can accomplish on our own.

Rusty considers the remainder of his years on earth. Reminded that his father had 25 years on him, Rusty encourages all to live for the right reasons and purpose a life that is sacrificial in the way we share love with others. It has less to do with how we are remembered and more to do with what impact are we making in the lives of others... now.

Rusty goes into personal territory today and pays tribute to his father who recently went to his heavenly home. Filled with laughter, some tears, and a good dose of actionable intel, Rusty recounts some memorable actions that helped shape the life of his dad and how these multiplied into the eternal lives of those he touched.

One correction: Dad accepted Christ on Mother's Day - not Easter Sunday.

Rusty thinks about what would be possible if all people chose to live in such a way to align with God's will. Our world would be a much different place. Until this utopia occurs, Rusty is concentrating on how much he is depending on God to tackle the hurdles of life. Trying to do it on our own is simply inadequate. Remember the true blessing of God does not resemble a simple gift given as much as it is the perspective change that only hanging out with the Giver can provide.

Rusty addresses the elephant in his ride - the lack of attentiveness to his wife. In a truly repentant 'cast, Rusty let's God remind us all about the importance of preferring our spouse and renewing our thought life from the disease of the improperly fed mind.

Rusty thinks about doing an Ironman 70.3, or, more appropriately, thinks about others doing one. Even those of us who couldn't imagine entering a race like this know many of the challenges, but I'm guessing you haven't thought about the issue that Rusty dwells on today. It is an unlikely topic for an event involving thousands. Tune in to consider this important spiritual truth.

Rusty explores the need for preparation in the culture of today - not so much toward natural things but focused on our spiritual preparedness. Contrasting the blissful ignorance on display everywhere you look to the deliberate preparation of the Gospel within our four walls, Rusty admonishes us to seek first the true power found only in the knowledge of Christ.