jesus take the wheel free daily journal

8/4/2019 Jesus Take The Wheel Free Daily Journal

1/148

i

JOURNALDAILY

Personal Insights and Reflections

On the Road with Jesus


2/148

ii

Copyright 2008 by Stuart Migdon. All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted in any way by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy,

recording, or otherwisewithout the prior permission of the copyright holder,

except as provided by USA copyright law.

All Scriptures are taken from theHoly Bible, New American Standard Bible,

Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995.

All rights reserved. Used by permission.


3/148

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTERONE

IGNITION: Who is at the Wheel? / Be a Humble Passenger.. 4

CHAPTERTWOKEY #1: Which Driver is Most Important? / Selfless Life... 19CHAPTERTHREEKEY #2: Ask for Directions / Gain Wisdom from Gods Helpers. 36

CHAPTERFOUR

KEY #3: Listen to Your Navigation System / Listen and Follow Gods Direction. 53

CHAPTERFIVE

KEY #4: Rely on Your Driver / Trust, Acknowledge, and Rely on God. 69

CHAPTERSIX

KEY #5: When the Four Car Pile-up Happens / Peace in the Trials 85

CHAPTERSEVEN

KEY #6: Stop Clinging to the Steering Wheel / Cling to God 102

CHAPTEREIGHT

KEY #7: What Being a Passenger is All About / Find Joy on the Journey. 118


4/148

4

In order for us to truly grow in our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spiritto change our lives, its important to be moldable and teachable like a little child.

CHAPTERONEIGNITION:Who is at the Wheel? / Be a Humble Passenger

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest

in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)


5/148

5

DAY 1Let Go and Lets Go!

Remember when you first got your drivers license? How did it make you feel? Reflect upon thesense of freedom it gave you, and journal your thoughts below.

How does the sense of freedom you experienced as a new driver compare to the freedom youfound when you came to faith in Jesus?


6/148

6

Read John 8:31-32. How does this passage help you explain your freedom as a disciple of Jesus?

In what ways can you be more open to Gods Word? How do you think this may help in letting

God direct your life?


7/148

7

What is your definition of success? Is it wrong to be successful? How can you be successfulGods way?

(GPS) Gods Positioning System

Day 1 Daily Action Step

Who is at the wheel of your life? You can determine the answer to this question by

considering who is in control of the things you value most (i.e., your children, job,finances, home, health, relationships, even your daily activities.) Do you often worry

about any of these areas? Worry is a signpost telling us that we are once again behind

the wheel. When we place our trust in anything other than Jesus, we are trusting in thewrong thing. Spend time honestly reflecting on how you are living throughout the daytoday. What are you thinking about? Are you worried? Why or why not? Is your life

being led by the Lordis He in the drivers seat? Or, has He become a passenger youare bringing along for the ride?

Ask God to help you yield your life to Him today. Pray something like this, Dear God,

I know I need to let go of my life and give control to You. Help me to follow Yourdirections for my life and to listen to Your guidance.


8/148

8

DAY 2Who Do You Imitate for Success?

Read Numbers 12:3. What is one God-pleasing trait of Moses that comes to mind today? Begin

to strive to be more like Moses when it comes to this quality. Write a plan for how you mightattain this.

In Philippians 2:5-8 it says, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be

grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likenessof men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the

point of death, even death on a cross. Name an attitude with which you struggle, that causes youto be prideful or self-focused. Ask God to help you put to death any attitude that would cause

you to have the wrong opinion of yourself, so that you can learn true humility.


9/148

9

Ephesians 5:1 says, Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Often children imitate adults by literally following in their footsteps. When a child is following

you, and you turn around suddenly, you might find him taking giant steps so that his small feetland in your big footprints. Are you following Jesus in that same way today? What would He see

if He turned around? If you are not following in His steps, what has to change in your life so thatyou can be more like Him today?


Day 2Daily Action Step

Who do you emulate most? Do you think it is someone whom God would want you toemulate? Ask God to show you one thing in your life that you need to work on in orderto imitate Jesus more fully. Ask Him to show you an area where you need to be molded

into His image. For example: maybe you need to ask God to help you overcome yourtendencies to be prideful or envious. Whatever it is that God shows you begin to work

on that todaymake it your action step of the day. Each day He might show yousomething different to work on.


10/148

10

DAY 3Dont Hold Back

It is empowering to know that we dont have to attempt to be like Jesus in our own strength. We

are gifted with the Holy Spirit, who lives in believers, to show us the way and the truth. Whatdoes it mean to you that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in your heart?

Read Micah 6:8. How does it impact you to know God wants you to walk with Him?


11/148

11

Just as Paul committed his life to following the Holy Spirit and turning from his fleshly desires,so should we. Make a list of the distractions in your life that keep you from following the Holy

Spirit and make a commitment to eliminate them.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul said, Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, butonly one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the

games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but wean imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not

beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached toothers, I myself will not be disqualified. In what areas of your life have you made disciplined

choices? What did it take you to become disciplined in those areas? What similar actions can youtake in your spiritual life in order to be more disciplined in that area? Note some things you can

do today in order to develop a more committed relationship with God.


12/148


13/148

13

DAY 4How To Be Both Childlike andWise

Solomon asked for wisdom and God gave it to him. We can have wisdom too! In James 1:5 it

says, But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously andwithout reproach, and it will be given to him. God loves to give us wisdom; all we have to do is

ask. Make a list of things in which you need Gods wisdom in your life, and the ways that youcan seek His wisdom today.

1Kings 3:7 says, Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of myfather David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Have you ever

experienced a tug-of-war between your own wisdom, and Gods? What was the outcome andwhat can be learned from this verse that will help you more easily let God direct your life?


14/148


15/148

15

DAY 5Children Come By Humility Naturally

Read Luke 14:8-11. Name a time you wanted to feel important. How did you end up feeling?

Name another time when you exhibited childlike humility. How did you feel then? Compare andcontrast these two feelings (pride and humility) below.

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus addressed His disciples before sending them to cast out unclean spiritsand to heal people of their diseases. He told them, Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst

of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. How can you go about your dailydealings being both shrewd (wise) and innocent (whether at work, at home, at pleasure, or at

church)?


16/148


17/148

17


The qualities weve discussed of natural humility in a child are essential for all of Godschildren to possess. What can you do today to take a small step toward childlikehumility? Do something that demonstrates one or more of these qualities in your

everyday life.



18/148

18

DAY 6What Are You Depending On And Who Are

You Listening To?

Isaiah 66:13 says, As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will becomforted in Jerusalem. God is a loving parent caring for His children. In turn, we ought to treat

God as our Heavenly Father! How can you live your life in a way that you become moredependent on God, with the same dependence as that of a child for his parent?

Children are teachable. In what way can you become more childlike in your walk with the Lordby being more teachable, more moldable into what pleases Him?


19/148

19

When children need security, they long to be with their parents. As I mentioned in the book, Ilearned this more fully when Jenni got an imaginary stomachache on her first sleepover and

called us to bring her home. How can you long to be with God more? We spend a lot of timeapart from God. What can you do to determine to spend more time with Him?


Show your dependence on God by committing to start listening to Him every daythrough His Word and talking to Him through prayer. Make a decision that doing

anything else other than this is a dependence on yourself and not God. When readingGods Word, imagine that He is telling you a story designed to teach you about how to

live your life. Think of the message of the story throughout the day and consider itsapplication in your life.



20/148

20

DAY 7A Place to Ponder and Pray

Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter One of Jesus Take The

Wheel. Perhaps you want to write a prayer to God or a list of things you want to work on in orderto give up the wheel of your life to Jesus. Take time to determine your stepsallow them to beordered by the Lord, that He might direct your path.


21/148

21

The true significance of a man starts with the recognition of his insignificance.

CHAPTERTWOKEY #1: Which driver is Most Important? / Selfless Life

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)


22/148

22

DAY 8What Happens When You Take Things Into

Your Own Hands

Moses felt a specific call to be used by God. He took matters into his own hands at first, and botched things up. But he discovered when he did things Gods way, it was exciting and

rewarding to be used as an instrument of the Lord. Have you ever sensed a specific time whenGod was leading you to do something that would ultimately further the Kingdom? How did you

respond? What happened when you tried to serve God in your own wisdom and strength ascompared to those times when you followed Gods leadership?

Moses ego got in the way of serving God. What obstacles are in your life today that mighthinder you from serving God one hundred percent? What can you do to take care of these

roadblocks so that you can move forward?


23/148

23


Day 8Daily Action StepBecause of his important standing in life, Moses was used to making things go his way.Rather than depend on God, he took things into his own hands, took control, and

expected God to bless it. That was a recipe for disaster. Think of an area in your lifewhere you tend to take control instead of going to God and letting Him lead. It could

involve your work, family, friends, recreation, and even helping others. Find a way totake the back seat, and instead let God be in control. This starts with an attitude change

that its not about youits about God working through you. Start today relinquishingcontrol by trusting God for the outcome. Realize that He is in control and is blessing

you by allowing you to be part of the outcome. Be an influencer not a controller.

Speaking of moving forward, Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 says, I do not regard myself as havinglaid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what

lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.Paul never assumed he had attainedhe always pressed forward. One way he sped up his

results was to let go of his past, his regrets, his mistakes, those who hurt him, etc. How can you

put the past in the past and reach for what God wants for your future?


24/148


25/148

25

Life experiences allowed Moses to go through a metamorphosis so that he removed any motivesor attitudes of self-importance. Once the transformation was completed, Moses only desired to

see Gods name promoted, rather than his own. He didnt need to be in the spotlight to be used by God. What life experiences have you gone through that have created your own

metamorphosis regarding the removal of self-importance? What might you do at this stage in

your transformation to help change the mindset from being in the spotlight to putting thespotlight on God?

Matthew 5:16 says, Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your goodworks, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Is your light shining today? What is the source

of that light? If it is Gods light shining through you, then your good works will glorify theFather. If you have any other source of light, then you remain in the spotlight and God in the

shadows. Journal your thoughts in the space below, and record some ways to glorify God more.


26/148

26



Moses was transformed from a self-important man whom God couldnt use, to a humble

servant, the perfect instrument for God to use. His time as a shepherd for Jethro helpedremove any focus on self. What can you do to make sure all self-importance is removed

from you? Take an example from Moses, and do something today for someone else withno self-motive. Support someone elses dream, goal, or simply their plan for the day.

What will you do to place the emphasis outside of your own agenda?


27/148

27

DAY 10Do You Desire to be King of the Hill?

Do you remember the childhood game, King of the Hill? Essentially the one who could toss all

others off the elevated platform of some kind would be pronounced King of the Hill. He mightbe victorious for a while, but it wasnt long before the others were conspiring to knock him offthe hillto de-throne him, so to speak. As an adult, what grown-up version of King of the Hill

do you confess to playing? Perhaps its trying to one-up a business associate or collect morematerial possessions than the Jones. Ask God to remove any tendencies to be this sort of king,

and replace it with a desire to be a servant-leader.

King Nebuchadnezzar participated in pridefests, pronouncing himself the best in the land. Hewas so focused on himself that he forgot about God. Do you ever catch yourself engaging inpridefests? What attributes of yours do you tend to be prideful about? What is your plan to

overcome this temptation? If you seek recognition about something, then this is an environmentripe for pride. Naming your weak areas will help you overcome them with Gods help.


28/148

28

Humility is key to being used by God. Write a prayer of humility below, asking God to help you

give more control to Him and acknowledge (like Nebuchadnezzar) that all glory and honor goesto God alone.

Five Evidences of Desiring Self-Importance

(Evaluate and indicate how these may apply to your life)

Whenever you do something with the goal of recognition, its really about your ownimportance.

Whenever a good deed is not done because it brings no attention to you, then it is reallyabout your own importance.

When you are looking for opportunities to tell people about your accomplishments, itsreally all about your own importance.

When you worry about what others think of you, you are too focused on your ownimportance.


29/148

29



Like Nebuchadnezzar, tell others something today that brings attention solely to the

greatness of God. When you do, dont worry about what other people will think of you,make sure it has nothing to do with anyones accomplishments, possessions, or status,

and dont look for recognition. Do it in a way that will both demonstrate the love of Godand your love for others.

When you admire others based on their possessions or status, then your focus is on yourown importance.


30/148

30

DAY 11When God Is Most Important, Self-

Importance Isnt

When God sent Samuel to look for Sauls replacement, He directed Samuel to the house of Jesse.

Samuel was confused about which brother was designated for greatness as the next King. So,God told Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have

rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but theLord looks at the heart, 1 Samuel 16:7. How does it make you feel to know that God looks at

the heart? Whats in your heart today? Will He find self-importance or the heart of a servant?

David was content to wait for Gods perfect timing to be declared King. He didnt take thingsinto his own hands. Has there been a time recently when it was difficult for you to wait on God

to take action, and you grabbed back control of the situation to try to hurry up the process? Whathappened? Was there another time when you patiently waited for Gods timing? What was the

outcome?


31/148

31

Are you ready to make a difference for God by letting Him direct your life, or do you desire thestatus quo of staying in the parking lot of life? Is anything holding you back? Do you sense

God directing you in any specific way today as you pray about making a difference for Him?

How do your actions and your thoughts define how important your own importance is to you?In your career? In your marriage? In your friendships? In life in general?


32/148

32


One of the ways David kept himself humble was to operate on Gods timetable and nothis own. He didnt rush taking over being king, but waited for Gods direction. Like

David, we shouldnt be in a rush to do something different but instead we should serveGod exactly where we are. Even though he knew he would soon be king, David did this

by showing Saul the respect deserving of the position. He showed true God-like lovewhen he allowed Saul to not only keep the kingship for a while longer, but also his very

life. Like David, you can show you arent impressed with your own importance byshowing love to someone without expecting anything in return. Today, activate this plan

for showing love; pick the recipient, the act of kindness, and then be sure to get out of

the way so the spotlight wont be on you. To increase the challenge, like David, picksomeone you struggle withperhaps someone who doesnt show you the respect youfeel you deserve.



33/148

33

DAY 12Spiritual Acts With The Right Motive Leads

to Reward

Your human nature causes you to desire praise and recognition, which creates a tug-of-war withthe Spirit within you. In Matthew 6:1 Jesus said, Beware of practicing your righteousness

before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is inheaven. Are there times when you hope for others to notice your spiritual walk and service to

God? Journal the tug-of-war you have experienced in these areas of self-importance.

Make a list of opportunities to anonymously give your resources to another.


34/148

34

Have you ever fasted for a meal or more, or given up something else, in order to be more focused

on what God wanted to say to you? What was it like? If you havent done this, would youconsider a personal fast of some sort as you take this journey towards a more God-directed life?



Jesus was willing to give up His life in heaven to come to Earth as our Savior. He gave

up the significance of being God to take on the form of a humble man. He set aside Hisown importance to show us how to live with a servant heart. During the Sermon on theMount, He pointed out how we should avoid seeking attention or praise for our spiritual

acts. One way you can do this is to get involved in helping someone without tellinganyone. Pick an act of kindness today, and a way to carry out your plan by remaining

anonymous, even to the one you are helping. Let Gods reward fill your heart, ratherthan seeking the praise of men.


35/148

35

DAY 13What Will Others Think?

Have you ever felt like you didnt fit in? Maybe you even felt like an outcast or misfit, like I did

as a young husband and father. At the time, I didnt have a relationship with Jesus. If you havetrusted Jesus as your Savior, what difference does He make during those misfit moments?

How can you allow Him to make more of a difference?

How do you define success? Before God became a big part of my life, my definition of success

was very different than it is now. How does God define success? In what ways does He want youto be successful? Is it sinful to desire success? (There are no set answersthese questions

merely provide a way to process your transformation.)


36/148


37/148

37



What sort of fuel are you running on? Do you feel like you are running on empty? You

might look perfectly put together, like a brand new car, but you know that inside yourtank is dry, and you are about to break down. Make sure you have the right fuelthe

love of God. One way to evaluate this is to ask yourself what defines who you are. LikeI was, are you more concerned about your own importance than you think? Consider

this question based on how you define yourself compared to how others would defineyou. Ask others this question; make it a point to take the back seat and consider what

they have to say. Listen without planning what you are going to say when it is your turn

to talk. Go through this refining process and then bring it to God for His ultimaterefinement.


38/148

38


Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter Two ofJesus Take TheWheel. Perhaps you want to write a prayer to God or a list of things you want to work on in order

to give up the wheel of your life to Jesus. Take time to determine your stepsallow them to beordered by the Lord, that He might direct your path.


39/148

39

When you recognize that God is involved in sending you help, the outcome is notjust about what you want, its about whats best for carrying out what God wants.

CHAPTERTHREEKEY #2: Ask for Directions / Gain Wisdom from Gods Helpers

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15)


40/148


41/148

41

Are you a fulltime worrier? What sorts of things do you worry about? How do you cope withworry? How can having one of Gods helpers assist you in overcoming worry?

What does it take to accept Gods helpers in your life?

Using a Bible search tool (either online or in book format), look up some of the one another

verses in the Bible. What do these verses tell you about our responsibility to one another ashelpers?


42/148

42

(GPS) Gods Positioning SystemDay 15Daily Action Step

How difficult is it for you to accept help from others? Perhaps it will help now that you

know these helpers are actually gifts from God. You can gain Gods wisdom by askingfor help when you sense the world weighing down on you. Today, make it a point to ask

God to help you not be blind to the help He is sending your way through His helpers.Acknowledge the helpers already in your life and thank them for sharing your burdens

in life. If you look for Gods helper, you will find He has provided (at least) oneespecially for you.


43/148

43

DAY 16Ask God to Send a Helper To Accomplish

His Mission

God wasokay with Moses questioning Him because He recognized that Moses had a weak faiththat needed strengthening. Have there been times when your own faith was weak, or not asstrong as it could be? Perhaps even now that is the case. Ask God to reveal Himself more to you,

to help you trust Him more. Write about your desire for a stronger faith, here.

When is it okay to question God? Have you ever questioned God about something in your ownlife? What was it? What was Gods response? How did you know what God wanted you to learn

from it?


44/148

44

God was patient with Moses, knowing the end result would be amazing. In what ways has Goshown patience with you? Just thinkHe knows the potential outcome ofyourlife as well!

When God sends us a helper, the ultimate purpose is to see our lives transformed with God.

Think about how accepting Gods helper can lead toyourtransformed life. Also, it can work intransforming the life of the helper and the lives of those witnessing all of this transpire. Write

down some ways accepting Gods help has changed you or changed those around you.


45/148

45



Moses didnt consider the Jewish leaders as helpers and was only comfortable in going

forward once God sent an additional helper in Aaron. God continued to work withMoses because his motives were purely selfless and he was open to receive Gods

helpers. Moses wanted as much help as possible! Yesterday you acknowledged thehelpers already in your life. Today, ask God to send an additional helper, just like He

sent Aaron to help Moses. Consider whom God might send to help you. Who are thepeople God has placed in your life to help you live a transformed life with Him, by

sharing your load? Make sure youre ready to receive their help, as they show you howto do things Gods way.

You can be Gods helper to someone else. Gods love is revealed and spread when its done witha pure heart out of a desire to please Him. It works when you are willing to be used as Gods

helper for someone else. Think of a time in the past when God used you as His instrument tohelp someone else. Is there a situation now that you can show Gods love to another by being

used as Gods helper?


46/148

46

DAY 17Accept Help When God Sends It

Name some examples from Scripture to show that God designed us to be His helpers in the lives

of others.

Are you striving for a victorious life? Proverbs 11:14 tells us, When there is no guidance, thepeople fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. Who is on your team of counselors?

Who do you go to for wisdom and direction? In whom can you confide?


47/148

47

Sometimes God uses our usual team of counselors as a way to help us with wisdom. Other times,He brings in a surprise helper to advise us. Be prepared to accept help from an unlikely source.

Can you think of a time this happened in the past?

What was the outcome of a time when you disregarded godly counsel? What did it cost you tonot heed their advice? If you could do it all over again, would you change anything? We cant

change the past, but we can change how we receive and heed advice in the future.


48/148

48


Can you think of a time when you didnt really listen to the advice from someone else

because you thought you knew better, or you had your own agenda? Sometimes its

difficult to really want to hear because we really dont want to knowsort of likesticking our fingers in our ears and singing lalala, I cant hear you. Its more likeI wont hear you. Today, determine to accept Gods helper by asking someone you

trust for advice and then be a good listenergleaning good, godly counsel. Make amental note when you hear advice today from others that this might be Gods helper.

Contrast the above situation with a time you did accept godly counsel. What was the outcome?How did it end up glorifying God?



49/148

49

DAY 18Dont Minimize Gods Help Through His

Helpers

In the book, I share about a time I asked advice from Jim, and he directed me to talk to Tom

regarding how to help Frank and Gary with conflict resolution. I almostdidnt heed Jims adviceto call Tom, and almostdidnt accept Toms advice on how to assist in the reconciliation. By

struggling with the choice whether to listen to Gods helpers or not, I was minimizing Godswork through these men. I took them (and their advice) for granted, and it almostcost Frank and

Gary the ultimate reconciliation that took place. Id hate for you to almost make the samemistake. Are you on the fence right now regarding some advice you have received? Write about

it here, and pray about how God would have you to act on the wisdom and direction from Hishelpers in your life.

The Jewish people took Moses help for granted. They grumbled against him. In Exodus 16:7Moses said to them and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your

grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us? Have you grumbledagainst one of Gods helpers in your life? Exodus shows us its just as if you are grumbling

against God. Make a list here of your recent grumblings and ask God to help you not bedisgruntled when life goes differently than your personal desires.


50/148

50



Human nature hasnt changed since the time of Moses. I almost refused Gods helpthrough Tom in getting the right solution for Frank and Garys reconciliation, just like

the Jewish people almost forgot how God worked through Moses and Aaron. We tend to

whine or complain or take things into our own hands rather than fully accept Godshelpers in our lives. This comes across as being unappreciative or that we areminimizing Gods work in our lives. Look favorably toward Gods helpers in your life

by recalling all the positive impact they have provided. Ask yourself if those helperslove God and care about you. If the answer is yes, purpose yourself to continue to go to

them for help. Then, thank God for His helpers in your life and for the specific ways Hehas used them to lighten your load.

Many times we dont make a big enough deal about the helpers God sends our way. We tend totake their help for granted and minimize their efforts to assist us. Name some of the everyday

helpers God has brought to you, and be sure to thank them today for the blessing they are to you.


51/148

51

DAY 19Wouldnt You Like to be a Helper Too?

Sometimes, being Gods helper is teamwork. Describe a time when you teamed up with someone

else to help a third party. Thank God for allowing you to be used as His instrument of blessing.

One of the important aspects of being Gods helper and receiving help from others is to not beconcerned about who gets the credit. Moses wasnt concerned. He realized it took a team to get

the job done for God. How can you better adapt this selfless mindset in your own life?


52/148

52



At the beginning of todays reading, I showed how Aaron and Hur teamed up withMoses to bring the Jewish nation to victory. Today, team up with someone to make a

difference in another persons life. See a need, seek a solution, be a helper. Come besideothers to help with lifes battles. Marriage, job, depression, anxiety, health, money

issues, it doesnt matter what the battle is, just that you are available to help, as guidedby God. When you are a helper to others, and when you accept help from others, you

are allowing Jesus to take the wheel. Who will you recruit to make your own Aaron-Hurteam?

Aaron and Hur were literally on the mountaintop with Moses as Joshua and the people fought theAmalekites. Name a time when you had a mountaintop experience when you teamed up with

others to bring about victory for the good of many.


53/148

53

DAY 20Gods Helpers Assist In Lifes Special

Moments

How do you know when to accept help? When is it what Godwants and when is it what you

want? How can you tell the difference?

What are some ways that Gods helpers actually help out and become an instrument of God?

What type of person might He use to help you?


54/148

54

Who is the one person who completes our role as Gods helper? What happens when He isnt inthe equation? How can He make the difference?

Think back to some of the special moments God has blessed you with. Oftentimes, in the midstof it all is one of Gods helpers. Reflect about one of these special moments and recognize the

helper. One way to remember back is to look at photograph albums and think of the blessingsrepresented by each snapshot.


55/148

55



Today your challenge is quite simple. Just as Tammy listened to the nudge of the Spiritto intervene with words of wisdom to encourage me to be a part of Jasons baptism,

there will be times that God tells you to be instrumental in helping someone else.Perhaps you are to offer wisdom or help of some other kind. Think about the people

God has placed into your life who may need help in a small or big way. Ask God toshow you how you can help by being there for one or more of them and then carry out

that plan. It may turn into one of lifes special moments!


56/148

56


Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter Three ofJesus Take The

Wheel. Perhaps you want to write a prayer to God or a list of things you want to work on in orderto give up the wheel of your life to Jesus. Take time to determine your stepsallow them to be

ordered by the Lord, that He might direct your path.


57/148

57

Make sure whats important to God is important to you. When you follow Gods

lead in this way, letting Him take the wheel, the path is filled with inner joy andsatisfaction.

CHAPTERFOURKEY #3: Listen to Your Navigation System / Listen and follow Gods Direction

Samuel said, Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)


58/148

58

DAY 22Obedience to God is All About Love

How do you feel about the four letter word obey? What feelings does it elicit in you? Why is

obedience important to God? How can you reframe your thoughts and feelings about obedience?

If you start your obedience with God with the Ten Commandments, name which one is mostdifficult for you to obey (in the flesh) and why? Review them in Exodus 20.


59/148

59

Hebrews 12:1 says, Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, letus also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with

endurance the race that is set before us. When it comes to obedience, what sin easily entanglesyou? What is your plan to lay it aside so you can run the race of life with endurance?

Gods Word is chock-full of Gods instructions. Its like having your own counsel of wisdom in

one book. Find a verse that will help you in your determination to obey God, and write it outhere so you can continue to reflect on it in the days ahead.


60/148

60



From the Ten Commandments we see how obedience to Gods instructions leads us tolove Him and others more. Love is an action verb, not a feeling. You show your love for

God by following His counsel. Put Him first in your lifemake Him the most importantperson you talk to today. With a willing heart and a servant spirit, ask God to strengthen

your determination to make Him your number one priority. Take action by showingGod your love for Him by heeding the commandment, Thou shalt not make unto Thee

any idol. Consider what, if any, goals, activities, or possessions have become of moreimportance in your life than God and the time you spend with Him. Change by

removing them from the idol status and making God the number one priority andpassion in your life today. When you do that your goals will be lined up with His goals

for you, and you will experience the lasting joy and fulfillment, which only comes withliving Gods way.


61/148

61

DAY 23Follow Gods Counsel Even When the

Unexpected Happens

Read Matthew 5 and allow it to teach you Gods instruction for your everyday life. What stands

out to you from this chapter?

What are some benefits of obedience? What happens when you allow Jesus to take the wheel in

this key to a transformed life?


62/148

62

When lifes circumstances provide you with stress and worry, how can you be obedient to Godwhen your gut reaction is to go your own way?

Sometimes, like Moses, our obedience leads us to unfamiliar territory and we are uncertain howto respond. In that instance, we might slip up for just moments by regressing back into doing

things in our own strength. God knows we are not robots, and so the emotion of a situation issometimes going to cause us to veer off course a little. As long as we stay faithful to Gods

counsel, always turning back to Him, we will find our way through every situation. Can youthink of a time you started out obeying God, but veered off course? What caused you to take

things into your own hands? What brought you back into obedience with God? How can youavoid the same mistakes in the future? One thing about Moses, he wanted to be obedient, and

when he wasnt, he always learned from his mistakes.


63/148

63



The Bible is filled with wise counsel. That counsel seems a lot wiser and easier to obey

when things are going good in our lives. But it takes much more discipline to obey whenthe unexpected happens. Look out for the unexpected in your life today, as big or as

small as it may be. When it comes into your life, be ready to respond in a way Godwould advisewith His wisdom. Face the unexpected head on by responding with

Jesus counsel to be gentle, kind, and loving no matter what.


64/148

64

DAY 24 Obstacles Make Obedience Difficult But

Not Impossible

Sometimes its difficult to know Gods plan, but He requires our obedience regardless. Can you

think of a time He gave you instructions for what to do just a step at a time, and you couldnt seethe big picture? Did your obedience waver?

When you drive down the road, it is easy traveling when there are no obstacles, stop signs, or

detours. But sometimes, a truck drops part of its load, or a tire blows, and the debris ahead of you

creates an obstacle and you must swerve to miss it. In life, what happens when somethinghappens to detour you from your joyful obedience? Think of a specific obstacle and how yousteer your life around it.


65/148

65

How can you strengthen your determination and ability to obey? Moses trusted God thatobedience would work, and his relationship with God became more intimate as a result of

obedience. Then, the deeper relationship with God strengthened his ability to obey.

How does trust play into the obedience equation?


66/148

66



Perhaps you are having a difficult time obeying God regarding a situation; maybe it

doesnt seem to make complete sense to follow His instruction. For example, you mightask yourself, Does God really want me to forgive that person who doesnt care that

they hurt me? Just like it took a while for me to have the cheerful part of giving, itmight take you a while to be joyful regarding a call to listen and obey what God wants

in your life. Today, ask God to help you get on board with His plan and follow Hisinstruction with that situation even when there are obstacles in the way. Then take

action and follow Gods instruction for living with this difficulty. Feelings often followactions, so first step out in faith, and wait for God to bring you joy for the situation at

hand. If you cannot identify a situation in your life where you are finding it difficult toobey God, then think of someone you know who might be and share todays reading

with him or her.


67/148

67

DAY 25Obedience Reveals God and His

Compassion to Others

Moses obedience caused Gods power to be revealed through the various plagues and miracles

with Pharaoh. Can you think of a time that your obedience, or the obedience of someone youknow, caused Gods power to be revealed?

Obedience allows us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Then we cant help but tell othersabout that goodness. Name a specific time that you told others about the joy and benefits of

being in an obedient, trusting relationship with God.


68/148

68

Write down about a time your obedience led to specific prayers being answered by God. Bywriting your testimony of this event, you are providing a record you can go back to when things

get difficult, to give you something to hang on to.

Have you ever tossed and turn in bed, struggling to sleep? Thoughts of worry and stress stormedyour mind, creating an environment for sleeplessness. How can obedience to God lead to better

sleep at night?

Instead of worrying, what does God want you to do?


69/148

69


Day 25Daily Action StepWhat is your motivation for obeying God? Do you obey Him for your own agenda orto-do list? Or are you obeying Him because you want His ultimate purpose to be

accomplished in your life? Are you interested in your plans being fulfilled, or inrevealing His glory and power to others? Moses wanted only what God wanted. He was

interested in being obedient so that the Egyptians would know that there is no one likeGod. Today, consider what Gods agenda is for your day. How does He want you to live

out your day? Are you willing to be obedient to His plan in a way that brings Himglory? Let others see God through you and when you do, you and others will experience

the compassion of a loving God.


70/148

70

DAY 26Knowing Jesus Helps You Not Compromise

In Obedience

Compromising behavior can really pull us away from obedience to God. Its something we need

to be aware of and be on the look out for. When following God, we know He wants us to liveand act a certain way. We want towe try tobut lifes circumstances get in the way and we

tend to compromise. Name a situation right now, or in the past, when this temptation ofcompromise entered your life. How did you deal with it?

Moses refused to compromise with Pharaoh. When Pharaoh tried to negotiate something outsideof Gods plan, Moses didnt settle. Name a time you took a stand for what was right. What were

the results? How did you feel? How was your relationship with God because of it?


71/148

71



Examine the history of your life. Have you compromised the way youve lived your life

for God in the past? Are you still living that life of compromise today? Through thepower of Jesus, you no longer have to live this way. Identify in which areas of your life

you are compromising Gods counsel, and ask the Lord to help you remove them. Takeaction to be obedient to God and change anything that hinders you from living a

transformed life with God.

How can obedience to God lead to freedom? To a victorious life?

How does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit assist you in staying in compliance

regarding obedience to God?


72/148

72

DAY 27Faith In Action Helps You Purpose to Live

a Life of Obedience

Its one thing to believe in your head that you should obey, but its another thing all together topurpose in your heart to live for God. Recommit today to do this very thing. Write your prayer of

commitment here.

In Luke 11:28 Jesus says, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. In John

14:15 Jesus says, If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. In John 15:10 Jesus says,If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Fathers

commandments and abide in His love. John writes in 2 John 6, And this is love, that we walkaccording to His commandments. How do these Scriptures help you purpose in your heart to

obey God? How does this become faith in action?


73/148

73

Jesus gives us the example of ultimate obedience with His willing submission to pay our price inthe form of sacrifice on the cross. Knowing Jesus understands the high cost of obedience, how

does this help strengthen you when you are weak regarding obedience?

InJesus Take the Wheel, we learn of Evans customers profiting because they followed his wisecounsel. Name a time when you profited because you followed Gods wise counsel? It might not

be a monetary increase, but a way your life benefited because you heeded Gods instruction foryour life.


74/148

74



We are not forced, but we are expected, to follow Gods instructions. When we realize

that Jesus is the expert on joyful living and that He lived a life of obedience, we cantrust His advice for our lives and act on what He instructs. Jesus is the ultimate advisor

and counselor. Recognize that His counsel is easy to follow and the best course for yourlife. His input matters most. Like Jesus, recognize that faith in action will produce an

obedience of love. Live out your faith today by sacrificing your time and resources tohelp encourage someone in need. Consider going to a homeless shelter, nursing home,

hospital, or a neighbor in need.


75/148

75


Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter Four ofJesus Take The




76/148

76

Reliance on God is acceptance of what He provides today.

Enjoy it and praise Him for it.

CHAPTERFIVEKEY #4: Rely on Your Driver / Trust, Acknowledge, and Rely on God

The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my

God, and I will praise Him; My fathers God, and I will extol Him. (Exodus 15:2)


77/148

77

DAY 29Our Dead Ends Can Lead to God's

Beginnings

Lets look at the 7 keys for a transformed life so far. Key #1 Which Driver is Most Important? /Selfless Life. Key #2 Ask for Directions / Gain Wisdom from Gods Helpers. Key #3 Listen to

Your Navigation System / Listen and Follow Gods Direction. Record here how you are learningto assimilate these three keys into your life so far. Its wise to allow the concepts in Jesus Take

the Wheel to be an accumulative affect in your life, rather than addressing each principle onlyonce.

When Moses and Gods people hit the Red Sea, being chased by the Egyptians, they must have

felt like they hit a dead end. When in your life did you feel like you were in a dead end situationwith no apparent way out? If you determined to rely on God, how did that help? If you tried to

handle it in your own strength, what was the outcome?


78/148

78

Just when things seem like they cant get any worse, something even more awful happens. Haveyou experienced a situation like that? What emotions did you experience? Was it tempting to

succumb to despair and defeat? How did God comfort and console you and provide a way out?Sometimes, just reminding yourself this too shall pass will encourage you to pass through the

Red Sea to get to Gods promises.

Gods people blamed Moses for their predicament at the Red Sea. They panicked and could onlythink of their impending destruction, with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. Its human nature to

try to find someone to blame when things go wrong. Name a time when you were blamed forsomeone elses dead end situation. How did it make you feel? And then think of a time you

blamed someone else for your own dead end situation. Its never too late to apologize to thatpersonadmitting your actions were wrong and taking the blame for blaming them. Share with

them how God is at work in your life now.


79/148

79



The Jewish people panicked at their perceived dead endfear and blame were theoutcome. I could have easily gone down the path of fear and blame when my healthfailed. Instead, I chose to trust that God had a plan. The outcome: Appreciation and

praising God for His gift. Evaluate where you may have hit a perceived dead end inyour life. Rather than complain to God about it, trust that He has a plan for a new

beginning. Pray and consider what Gods new beginning might be. Hold tight to asteadfast assurance that when you feel all is hopeless, God is given the precise

environment where He works best and receives the most glory. What is your dead endsituation? Give it to God and watch Him go to work! If you are not facing a perceived

dead end then thank God and look for someone who is, and encourage them withtodays reading.

Moses cried out to God, pleading with Him to help them. God parted the Red Sea, allowed all ofHis people to pass through, and then sent the waters back to swallow up the Egyptian army.

When did you last cry out to God? Record that experience here.


80/148

80

DAY 30Join Together to Acknowledge and Praise

God

What does it mean to you to rely on God? How can you implement Key #4 more in your life?

When you have Jesus at the Wheel of your life, you are prepared when trials come. But when

trials come, you might also face the temptation to take back the wheel because you areuncomfortable not being in control. In John 16:33 Jesus says, These things I have spoken to

you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; Ihave overcome the world. How does this verse encourage you as you rely on Jesus?


81/148

81

Moses had to tell the Jewish people not to fear when they faced the obstacle of the Red Sea. Wecan be fearless by taking comfort in the fact that God is in control. Our God would only allow

things for our ultimate good. Who do you have in your life that can help remind you not to fear?

Lifes big problems can always be resolved by our even bigger God. This is reassuring! How can

you apply this concept to a situation going on right now? How can this mindset become a part ofwho you are, so that your instinct learns not to panic?


82/148

82



Remember that God delivers us out of lifes situations when we move forward in His

way. When God delivers us out of these situations, wouldnt it be great if we wrote Hima song or letter of praise telling Him we know its all Him? God wants us to ask of Him

all that we need and want because He desires to be intimately involved in our lives. Dowe specifically praise Him for answering our prayers? Today, praise God in writing and

thank Him, making sure to give Him all the credit for His past deliverances in your life.By putting your praise in writing, you will have it to look back on the next time

something seemingly goes wrong. Dont be afraid to share what youve written withsomeone else: e-mail, fax, mail, or read it aloud. When we praise Him, we remember

how awesome He is and how much He protects us and our love for Him deepens andgrows.

The result of God providing a way out for the Jewish people is that Moses led them in praisingGod and giving Him the glory for their positive outcome. Write down a time when God provided

a way out for someone you know and you were in some way a part of it. Speak to that person,remind them of Gods deliverance, and praise God together for it.


83/148

83

Day 31 Committing to God and Trusting Him Alone

is Whats Truly Important

Its one thing to be able to praise God after He answers your prayer, but what about writingpraises to God in the middle of trials? David was able to write a variety of psalms, in good times

and in bad times. Practice praising Him by writing your own psalm here. Write about the joy ofbeing able to trust in God even when life is rough.

Its easy to get frustrated when we see others make wrong choices and seemingly prosper. Rather

than focusing on the unfairness and injustice of the wrong people having good happen, try toswitch your focus. David showed us that if we really want to show God we trust Him, instead of

focusing on what doesnt seem fair in life, just do good. How can you make that switch in focustoday?


84/148

84



Lying down and sleeping in peace is difficult when there is adversity in your life. TakeDavids approach for trusting God and experience His peace by trusting in Gods Word.Today, read Psalm 62:5-8, and commit these verses to memory. Also, begin to consider

a Goliath-like challenge to serve God. Is their something youd like to do in servingGod but have chosen not to because you felt like you didnt have the time, expertise,

personality, etc.? Start to take on the challenge by trusting God to protect you throughthe process and bring you victory. Today is the day to start praying about it.

Psalm 62:8 says, Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is arefuge for us. This verse shows two things we should do as His people, and one thing He

provides. What does it mean to you to have God as a refuge?


85/148

85

DAY 32 Relying on God Turns Bitter into Sweet

Today inJesus Take the Wheel, we discuss a specific blessing we receive by being committed to

God. Commitment to God is important when giving Him the wheel. Psalm 125:1 shows theblessing when it says, Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved,

but abides forever. There is stability when trusting in God. How does having an eternalperspective rather than a temporary perspective, allow you to be more stable and grounded when

trusting in God?

The best way to be equipped to handle the bad times is to learn to be more Godlike in the goodtimes. Then, when trials come, you will have the godly mindset necessary to continue to trust

and rely on God. If youve ever made a commitment to lose weight or to exercise, you know ittakes a steadfast kind of commitment rather than a onetime decision. How will you build up your

determination to rely on God for the long haul today?


86/148

86



Gain an eternal perspective on life by making a commitment to rely on God in everysituation no matter the outcome. This will become easier as you consider all that God

has provided in your life. Make a list of all of the blessings that God has provided foryou. Then pray and thank Him for each of these provisions with the expectation that He

always provides whats best for you.

All thats good around us is from God. Do you accept it, or do you want more? Do you say,Thanks God, but if only I had Reliance on God is acceptance of what He provides today.

Enjoy it and praise Him for it. How do you feel about what God has provided for you in yourlife?


87/148

87

DAY 33 Self-made Versus God-made Plans

Was there ever a time that you stepped out ahead of God, thinking you were doing good, but you

attempted to accomplish your mission in your own strength? What was the outcome?

Contrast that to a time that you received your plans from God, and used godly discernment tomake the right choices and act according to His direction. What was the outcome?


88/148

88



Today, ask God to give you His plan for a specific God-directed missionto be anextension of His hands and feet. As you pray about your agenda and details, make sure

God is calling the shots, and let Him take control. Continue to pray about this until youare clear where God is leading you. At that time take action and be sure to give God the

glory. The outcome will have long-lasting results for the glory of God.

I shared a story about the Christmas I tried to provide Christmas for someone else in my ownstrength, and failed. The next Christmas I acted as God directed, and God blessed the outcome.

One of the differences was that I spent time in prayer, and in seeking counsel from Gods helpersin my life that second Christmas season. When has praying about a plan from God made all the

difference in your life?

Sometimes God is subtle when He directs us to act, and other times its as if He has hit us over

the head with a two-by-four to get our attention. How do you recognize when God is instructingyou and when you are just hearing your own voice?


89/148

89

DAY 34 Worry is the Opposite of Trusting in God's

Resolution of our Problems

When the Jewish people worried while in the wilderness, it only seemed to prolong their time

before they entered the Promised Land. Where does your anxiousness and worry take you?

In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus teaches us how to live the worry-free life. In part, it says,For thisreason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will

drink; nor about your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the bodymore than clothing?Do not worry then, saying, What shall we eat? or What will we drink

or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for yourheavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His

righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. What is your take-away value from thisScripture?


90/148

90



Consider a problem or dilemma you are facing. When you worry about it, its as if youwalked in front of an eighteen-wheeler, but when you trust God and accept His peace

about the situation, its as though Jesus stepped in front of that truck to protect you.Name your situation today, and instead of worrying about it begin trusting that Jesus

and will reveal Himself to you and others in the process. Stop worrying about comingup with a plan and start relying on God to use it for His glory. Gain help in doing this by

substituting the thought of worry with the thought of Gods great promises andblessings. Yield the worry to God, and He will sustain you with His grace. As you trust

in God and rely upon Him, your life will be transformed.

Sometimes God wants us to come to the end of ourselves so that He can step in and work. Its at

that time that we reach out to Him to fix things or show us the way. Describe a time you criedout to God because you could do no more on your own, and discuss the peace that resulted.


91/148

91


Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter Five ofJesus Take The




92/148

92

We have a God who lived through trials similar to the ones we face. Its great

when the driver of our lives has been down the same road as we havethatsJesus.

CHAPTERSIXKEY #5: When the Four Car Pile-up Happens / Peace in the Trials

your faith has made you well; go in peace. (Luke 8:48b)


93/148

93

Day 36Jesus Our Example in the Trials of Life

What sorts of trials did Jesus endure during His thirty-three years on earth? How does it make

you feel that He can say He understands what you are going through when you face your owntrials? What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? Arent you glad Jesus can provide

empathy when we deal with lifes circumstances?

Have family or friends ever turned against you? Write about your situation and how it made youfeel. Is there some consolation in knowing Jesus also endured this heartache?


94/148

94

Have you ever been falsely accused? How did you deal with hearing lies spoken of you? Jesusalso experienced this trial and can say, I know just how you feel.

Have you ever endured the trial of others wanting you to fail? Did they closely scrutinize your

every move, trying to trip you up? What was it like, and how did you overcome this time in yourlife?

Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend? What was it like? Describe the intense agony.

How can you take each one of these trials and heartaches to Jesus and experience completehealing?


95/148

95



Jesus faced trials sustained by the confidence He had in the will of His Father. Whattrial are you currently enduring? Take a moment to compare it to a similar trial Jesus

faced. Then reflect on the fact that Jesus knows how you feel and will help use the trialto mold, teach, and change you more into the person He wants you to be. Ask Him what

He wants you to learn from the trial. In this way, your focus will be changed and youwill be strengthened to face the trial with confidence in Him. If you are not facing any

trials at this moment in your life, encourage someone else with todays reading.


96/148

96

Day 37 Wilderness Trials Can Strengthen UsJesus

Shows Us How

What did Jesus use to combat the temptations of Satan? How can you use Scripture as a weapon

to fight the attempts of Satan to trip you up?

Satan knows to come to us with temptation and accusation when we are at our weakest physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How can you make sure you are equipped to fight

whatever tools he uses to cause you to stumble and veer off course?


97/148

97

Often we explain away a poor choice by rationalizing why we have acted in such a way. Weclaim we are victims of our circumstances. It somehow makes us feel better and less guilty if we

can pass the buck. Can you think of a time in your own life you have done this? Realize this isone of the tools in Satans toolbox and purpose in your heart not to allow similar tools to work

on you in the future.

1 John 2:16 says, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. These three categories

summarize Satans temptations. Do you struggle with one more than the other two? Which one isyour primary weakness, and what spiritual tools can you use to counteract the tools of the

enemy?


98/148

98


Day 37Daily Action StepHow do you feel during trials? Lonely? Ineffective for God? Perhaps you even feel like

God has deserted you. The trials seem to be more difficult when they come at timeswhen we are weakest. Jesus experienced all of that. You can look to Jesus for an

example of how He handled temptations and trials. Review the definitions in todaysreading, and take inventory of your own struggles with the lust of the flesh (what the

body desires), the lust of the eyes (what you can see and desire), and the pride of life(the desire for power). Ask God to strengthen you in your weaknesses.


99/148

99

Day 38Trials Can Be Fruitful With Jesus At The

Wheel

Fruitful trials seems to be an oxymoron at first glance. It seems trials would costrather thanbenefit. Yet, we can recount numerous times when fruit resulted from trials in our lives, when

Jesus was at the wheel. Draw a vertical line to divide this space, and write the trial on the leftside, and some of the benefits (fruit) on the right side of the line.

Has there been a time in your life that you accepted the fruit of Jesus ultimate trialsalvation inHim, paid for by the sacrifice of the crucifixion? Describe the joy that resulted from receiving

this gift of love.


100/148

100

In your current trial, is Jesus being revealed through you? If yes, how so?

1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, whichcomes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening in you; but to the

degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation ofHis glory you may rejoice with exultation. How might you find joy in the midst of a trial?

One of the joys that come with trials is the comfort of Jesus and others. Think of some times you

received specific comfort and consolation. Who did God use to show you this comfort? And howdid you sense the consolation came straight from God Himself?


101/148

101



With Jesus as your Savior, trials are designed to help you identify more with Him and

experience His joy. As a result, you receive a God-given ability to comfort others. Thinkof the various trials you have gone through and ask God to use these experiences to help

you comfort others in their times of need. Remember that God does not waste pain!Today, reach out to someone in the middle of a trial and comfort him or her with the

comfort and love that comes from God.


102/148

102

Day 39How to Persevere Through Trials

Have you ever persevered through a difficult situation; pressed forward regardless of how tough

it seemed? If you have, then you know the sense of accomplishment that comes with stayingfocused on a desired result. Think back to that perseverance and the sense of accomplishment

then journal about it here.

Perseverance works in the realm of accomplishing goals and objectives, but unless God is

involved, something is missing. Godless perseverance during trials will not bring joy. Writesome goals and objectives you believe God wants you to aspire to achieve, and pray for

perseverance to develop a godly dont quit attitude.


103/148

103

Persevering without Jesus at the wheel is a difficult burden to carry. The weight is heavy and itseems time is standing still with no relief in sight. Think of a time you tried to persevere without

God and describe the burden.

Romans 5:3-5 tells us, Not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing thattribulation brings about perseverance.This clearly tells us that we should have joy in our trials,

knowing that those trials will teach us perseverance. How can you learn about perseverancethrough the tough times in life?


104/148

104


Day 39Daily Action StepBegin today to develop a godly dont quit attitude in life especially as you experiencetrials. Whatever trials you face in your daily life, exhibit godly perseverance by making

sure to let God direct your plans and goals. Begin to do this by developing a godlymission statement or mantra for living. When I persevered in trials, before I knew Jesus,

my mantra was finish college in four years. Now, with Jesus, my mission statement isto communicate the message of helping others transform their lives with God. This

keeps me focused and determined to persevere.


105/148

105

Day 40Finding Purpose Through Lifes Trials

Do trials that come from God (or that He allows) always have a purpose? Looking back in

hindsight, can you see Gods purpose during some of your life trials?

By knowing your previous trials have ended up having some good come from them, how can

that help you endure your current trials? Can it help you hold on, even when you cant sensewhat Gods purpose is or how He might get the glory from the trial?


106/148

106

Think of a time you had a bombshell dropped in your life. You didnt expect it and you didntdeserve it. But there it was. How did you deal with it? Was Jesus at the wheel at the time? How

might that (His control in your life) determine the difference between a tragedy and a victory?

How does your current trial affect others? How might your response to the trial affect others?With Jesus at the wheel, pray that God will allow you to be a role model to others even in the

midst of the trying times in your life.


107/148

107



Isaiah 64:8, illustrates the same sentiment George shared with David. But now, OLord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work

of Your hand. Prepare today for the next trial you will experience by seeing yourself asclay needing to be reworked by God, our Potter. Ask God to show you what you need to

change in order to honor Him more, love Him more, and live a transformed life. Whenyou get the answer ask Him to equip you for His molding process so that you will be

prepared to call out to Him more, listen to Him more, and trust Him more, even whenthe way seems daunting.

If we were to plan our lives, we wouldnt season it with trials. Who would want to endurehardship on purpose? But Gods plans are better than our plans and He can dream up what we

never could conceive of, in order to draw others to Him and mold us into His image. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My

thoughts than your thoughts. How does this verse reassure you that Gods plans are better thanyours?


108/148

108

Day 41Bonding with God Through the Trials of Life

It is often said that we tend to get closer to God when going through the valley because we

recognize our need for Him. Can you think of a time that a trial accelerated your relationshipwith God?

Author and scholar C.S. Lewis says that pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Forme, it was kidney stones. Name a time that pain drew you into a closer bonded relationship with

God.

It blows my mind to think that Jesus, being sinless, wanted to enter into a close relationship withme. Journal your thoughts about initiating or growing an intimate relationship with the Lord.


109/148

109



Today, commit to doing your part in building a stronger bond with God. Find a

Scripture that reassures you of Gods love for you and meditate on it. Then evaluateyour normal daily activities with the purpose of finding mini-trials that you face. Start

by considering what causes you to change your attitude in a negative way. Evaluate whyand use this as a point of conversation with God. Ask Him to change your reaction to

the way He would want you to react. Follow His lead and watch as your bond with Godstrengthens.

James 4:8a says, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. When you are going through

a tough time, what is comforting about this verse?


110/148

110


Use this space to journal your spiritual decisions after reading Chapter Six of Jesus Take The

Wheel. Perhaps you want to write a prayer to God or a list of things you want to work on in orderto give up the wheel of your life to Jesus. Take time to determine your stepsallow them to beordered by the Lord, that He might direct your path.


111/148

111

Some can lead a good life, but no one can lead a godly life without clinging toGod.

CHAPTERSEVEN

KEY #6:Stop Clinging to the Steering Wheel / Cling to God

For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him. (2 Kings 18:6)


112/148

112

DAY 43Problems Can Cling To You

Have you ever had a problem cling to you? Some problems just have a tendency to grab hold of

you and not let go. Recount a time this has happened to you. Perhaps you even tried to fix theproblem, and it was unfixable. What did you do?

What is the answer for the dilemma of not being able to let go of worrywhen worry seems to

be gripping tightly to you?


113/148

113

Oftentimes, the best way for problems to release their grip on you is to try to reframe yourthought patterns and substitute your current thoughts for a new mindset. Then, you can take

yourself out of the equation and view the problem through Gods eyes. If you have a situationthat is overwhelming you, try to exercise this mindset reframing right now. Write out some of the

new thoughts you are substituting for the old thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever isright, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence

and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. How can doing what this verse suggestshelp you reframe your thoughts?


114/148

114



Have you ever had a time when you couldnt stop thinking about a problemit just kept

replaying over in your mind? Perhaps you have a situation like that right now. Prepareto do this daily exercise. Instead of thinking about how your problem impacts your life,

think about how God wants you to handle the situation. Start by considering that God islove and your problem is ultimately going to be used by God to reveal more of His love

to you and others. Then consider His other attributes and adopt them for your situation.


115/148


116/148

116

Have you ever held on to something with such a tight grip that when you let go of it your fingersstayed clamped in position and you had to forcibly unlock your hand to reposition it? While

you were holding on to the object, you didnt realize your hand was getting a cramp in it becauseyou had become accustomed to how it felt to hold on tight. Sometimes thats how it is when we

cling to something in our lives other than God. We dont even realize we are hanging on so tight.

What might you have to do to unlock your grip?

Psalm 71:1-6 talks about how God rescues us from the grip the world has on us. What else can

you learn from this Psalm?


117/148

117



One of the best ways to let go of the grip you have on the things of the world is to clingto God. The people of Israel were instructed to cling to God when they entered the

Promised Land, perhaps because God knew that without holding on to Him, they wouldbecome overwhelmed by their surroundings. Today we are just as easily influenced by

the cares of the world. Consider what grips you. What worldly things have a strongholdover you? Recognize that you cant get out of their grip on your own; you need to cling

to God in order to be freed. Consider how God feels about what has a grip on you andask Him to deliver you from each one. This way you will begin to cling to God and by

faith and His power release your grip on lifes distractions.


118/148

118

DAY 45Dont Let Life Circumstances Get in the

Way of Clinging to God

At a recent weight loss meeting, the members discussed how life circumstances hindered theirweight loss efforts, and made plans to prevent that from happening in the future. As the members

went around the room, each gave an example of something that got in the way of eating right andlosing weight. What they realized was that none of those things caused them to fail. It was their

own choice to feel overwhelmed by the circumstances that hindered their focus anddetermination. Can these life circumstances we all deal with affect your decision to follow God?

Just like the weight loss meeting, there are times we make excuses for not following God like weshould because life has gotten in the way. What excuses do you use?

What does it mean to truly follow God? What does it take? What must we totally give up tofollow God?


119/148

119

Following God requires a total surrendergive up following self. If you are truly following God,then anxiety and worry will not be part of your life. God is the leader, and He tells you to follow

Him, no matter what. He navigates you in the right direction. What is your HeavenlyNavigational System telling you right now?

When you were a child, your mother would ask you to hold her hand when crossing the street.There were times you probably didnt want to hold her hand. Perhaps you thought you were old

enough to cross the street by yourself. Or maybe someone was watching, and you didnt wanthim to think you were a baby. All the time, your mother simply wanted to hold your hand to

assure your safety, because she loved you and wanted what was best for you. When do you, orhave you let pride or fear of what other people might say get in the way of clinging to God?

What can you do to avoid this in the future?


120/148

120



Are you like Hezekiah? Do you follow God by surrendering any desire to follow self,regardless of your life circumstances? To do this, first evaluate what you have allowed

get in the way from truly clinging to God. Is it a job that requires too much of yourtime? A family who are not supportive of your relationship with God? Is it a struggle

with health, finances, relationships that has your attention? Or, maybe its a concern ofbeing made fun of or ridiculed by friends or co-workers? Nothing should get in the way

of clinging to God. In order to cling to God you must seek His wisdom and direction,and only take actions that would please Him. Even though instinctively you may want to

rely on yourself, rely on God to guide and direct you. You will achieve victory for youand others in your life.


121/148

121

DAY 46When Ti

jesus take the wheel free daily journal

Documents