21 Apr, 2009
Warning: Risky Roads Ahead!
America's Scariest Drives
Alfred Hitchcock could not have conjured a scarier highway—122 miles of vertigo between Monterey and Morro Bay. Highway One in California has two lanes for nearly its entire length. The road meanders along cliff tops poised high above the Pacific, including 33 bridges and countless drop offs into liquid oblivion. Anyone faintly squeamish should not attempt to drive this route.
Hawaii's incredible Saddle Road shoots between two hulking volcanoes across a sweltering lava-rock desert. “Famously bad and dangerous” is how one guide describes Hawaii Route 200 between Hilo and Waimea. Although improved in recent years, much of the route is narrow and one-way; intermittent fog makes it even more hazardous. Side roads lead to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
The longest stretch of road in U.S. with no services, the 414-mile Dalton in Alaska throws down several gauntlets including gravel roadway, steep grades, dangerous animals, and dire weather conditions. It’s an awful long wait for a tow if you break down out here.
(Article by Joe Yogerst. Photo by Kangotraveler. To see full story go to travel.yahoo.com 4/17/09)
Matthew 24:9-13 [NIV]
9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
John 15: 19-21 [NIV]
19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
What does God's Story teach us about the dangers of following Him?
Quite often we hear about the beenfits of following Christ...and there are many. Each of us as disciples, however, needs to be aware of the dangers as well. Much like today's story that talks about some of the riskiest highways in America to travel, Jesus warned us that there would be persecution for anyone who truly walks the path of following Him.
The world, He told us, will be in opposition to us...even to the point of persecution. It is happening all over the world today. In fact, many die every day because of their faith in Christ. If you haven't yet been persecuted, the Word clearly teaches us that we need to be prepared for whatever may come as we seek Christ.
Amidst the harsh reality of Jesus' warning we also find news that is as encouraging as it gets..."he who stands firm to the end will be saved"!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Keep studying God's Word each day so that you know all of the signs and warnings that Jesus gave us regarding what is ahead.
- Be prepared to go through anything for our Lord. Remember what He went through for us. Remember also what awaits us when this life is done.
- Pray each day asking God for the courage to boldly (and lovingly) live for Him amidst any persecution that may come.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- As you share Christ with your friends, definitely be sure to explain how amazing it is to follow Him and know Him personally. Share how it brings you peace, joy, contentment, purpose, direction, forgiveness, the hope of eternity with Him...
- BUT...as you do this, please don't lead them to believe that all of life's worries go away and Jesus makes everything rosy. If Jesus himself didn't teach that, neither should we.
- As a balance, share both the great parts and the hard parts. It will give you the chance to tell them why it is worth it!
- February 2012 [5]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [21]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
