This summer I spent a month taking a 5,000 mile road trip!

As I drove alone for 5,000 miles, a number of ideas popped into my head. Now that I’m back in San Jose, I’m turning them into blogs.

Many times, I reflected on Jesus saying: “[B]road is the road that leads to destruction . . .. But narrow [is] the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 6:13-14).

This saying of Jesus often popped into my mind when the lanes of the Interstate became narrow in construction zones.

Sometimes, the road narrowed only briefly. Perhaps just long enough to pass over a bridge that was being renovated.

Other times, the road narrowed for 5-10 miles.

These were the times I was grateful for the caffeine I had consumed during a coffee break. I was grateful for the music on the CDs I brought along.

What is the “caffeine” that energizes you for difficult times on the road?

What “songs” keep you from zoning out and dozing off?

There are many answers to these questions. The answers vary due to:

—differences in our personalities;

—differences in times and places; and

—differences in many other facts and circumstances.

The Bible is full of “caffeine” and “songs” to keep us on the “straight and narrow” road that leads to life. (Matthew 6:13-14).

The Bible is full of wisdom that has guided people for thousands of years. (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

How do we know which parts of the Bible—which parts of the wisdom of the LORD God—will be most helpful for each personality? Each time and place? Each fact and circumstance?

Pray for wisdom!

James told us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).

Then listen!

Listen to the “caffeine” that Jesus gives us through the Holy Spirit—“the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father”. (John 14:16; 15:26).

“Caffeine” that guides us into all truth—the truth that sets us free and empowers us to enjoy our life to the full. (John 16:13; 8:32; 10:10).

“Caffeine” that helps us. (John 14:15).

“Caffeine” that lives with us and in us. (John 14:17).

“Caffeine” that reminds us of everything Jesus said to us. (John 14:26).

“Caffeine” that teaches us all things about the Way of Jesus (John 14:26).

Then sing!

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another WITH ALL WISDOM through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 (emphasis added); Ephesians 5:15-21).

“Sing to the LORD a new song,

   for he has done marvelous things; . . . .

The LORD has made his salvation known

   and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

     (Psalm 98:1-2)

Sing to the LORD a new song:

   sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

   proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

   his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

     (Psalm 96:1-3).

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For additional thoughts arising from my 5,000 mile road trip in White Lightning, please read my blogs “Lightning from East to West”, “Directions Along the Way”, and “Delays Along the Way”.