Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Timing Pointer

I wanted to set the timing on the new engine.  It was then that I noticed there was no timing pointer!  Everything has to do it’s job at exactly the right moment or the motor will not run.  If there is even a small error in the adjustment, the old truck won’t run well.  Oh, you could drive it for years that way; burn a little extra gas, have premature wear and tear on parts, or even catch on fire; but why not do it the best way?  It would make sense to try!  One does need to tune up these old engines now and then and make sure things are good.  I just want to start strong and drive for a long time with very few troubles.  It is unrealistic to think about such a thing as ‘no troubles!’  However, it’s not a bad idea to check the timing.  The pistons need to have good ‘top-dead-center’ relationship with the fire from the spark plugs.  If these relationships are poor the motor will not run right.  We may never get everything right in this life, but God’s Word has a few timing pointers.  Perhaps things would be running a little better if we were tuned into the scripture.  Now where is my timing pointer? 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.                        2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV 
             

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Step Up


The older trucks had running boards.  They are anchored to the frame by three solid supports strong enough to hold a couple of real men.  Unlike some newer nostalgic replicas made of plastic these are very functional, real steel, running boards.  When I was cleaning these two fellows up the other day I did not notice a little factory sticker with a red lined out circle warning “not a step!”  There are many things in this old life that look like a step up, but are not.  Sometimes the elevated platform does not indicate advancement.  Just because a person can look down does not mean they have the advantage or the exalted position.  My desire to get behind the wheel might be realized by stepping on the running board.  May God help us if we only see others as the running board that put us in the driver’s seat!  When we step up to do the right thing, may it never be at someone else’s expense.  When we step up make sure it is a real step. 


For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 2:21 (KJV)