My first car was a real “Jalopy” (an old, dilapidated motor vehicle). My dad gave me some good advice. He said, “Watch the oil! A car won’t run without petrol, but you can be driving along the road thinking all is well, and you can burn out the engine for lack of lubrication.” There is a parable in this. As a car will not run without fuel, so we cannot function without food, clothing, rest, and some of the material things in life. However, it is possible to exist without giving thought to spiritual realities. It is a tragedy that people can go day after day with their hearts set on the things of earth, not realising that their lives are being destroyed because they are running without “spiritual oil.” All the comforts and conveniences this earth can afford, will never satisfy the deepest needs of the soul.

On the tram the other day I noticed one man in particular because he was deeply engrossed in talking to himself. What he said I don’t know, but it was a serious discussion. Do you ever talk to yourself? Not necessarily audibly but in your thoughts?

My wife Jayne and I were part of a recent retreat with some young Christians who are changing home locations.  During the retreat we discussed the importance of “connecting” with other Christians.  As I considered our topic, I realized that young Christians are not the only people who needed to hear our message.   Unfortunately I am finding more cases of long-term Christians falling down in this area of their Christian development.  Yes, we might pray, read our bibles on a daily basis, get involved with a personal bible study and even meditate on God’s word.  However, spiritual growth is more than just our own private spiritual interactions; there is something that involves other believers.  Take a look at the description of the early church, as noted by the book of Acts:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)

As a child growing up in a small South Wales valley town in a Baptist Church, there was one thing that puzzled me.

Members of the congregation were still at that time asking each other 'have you seen the light'. Of course to a child of about 10 who grew up in Sunday School, it was obvious that Jesus was the light & Jesus was Lord. Wasn't it??