The IH 35 Treat

 

Road trips.

You never know what you’ll find on IH 35.

In my frequent ministry journeys from North Texas to San Antonio, this major highway is the fastest, most direct route.

But it’s tiring, because you always have to keep your eyes peeled for a potential sideswiping car, someone’s blown tire pieces, or construction. Those of you who drive a lot know what I mean.

So I pray for God’s protection before, during and after, and he’s been faithful. Occasionally,  there are special treats on IH35 like an interesting meal at a tucked away restaurant, or time for a quick stop at my favorite outlet mall.

This time, the treat took the form of an 18-wheeler. Normally, I like to stay clear of the big trucks, but I was forced to follow one for a while in a construction zone.

That’s when I noticed the word LOVE painted on the back of the oversized vehicle, then in smaller print, John 3:16.

We’ve seen this verse flashed at sporting events.

If we know one verse by heart, it’s this one.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I thought, What a great witness! Who else might be forced to park behind this truck in a construction zone and not escape the message of LOVE on the back?

So I did further investigation this morning, because I want you to be on the lookout for the Danny Herman Trucking company, a rolling witness for Christ. Based in Mountain City, Tennessee and founded in 1964, their core values are: Dedication, Honor, Transparency, Integrity, Nurturing and Conviction. The company is a member of the C12 group, an invitation-only national group that helps Christian executives achieve excellence and to learn with an eternal perspective in mind. Danny Herman Trucking also partners with Marketplace Chaplains. Through Marketplace Chaplains, they provide their employees with devotional groups and Christian-based leadership training. John 3:16 is one of numerous verses Danny Herman Trucking puts on their trucks.

Why am I taking time to applaud this company? They have no idea I am doing it.

I am using this company as an example because I want to encourage everyone that no matter who you are, where you might work or what activities you might participate in, you can be an Ambassador for Christ.

You can place a fish on your car.

You can wear a Christian symbol on a necklace or bracelet.

You can display a Bible on your desk.

If you are a business owner, you can place a Christian message on your marquis or on your wall as people walk in.

Jesus did his best work in the marketplace.

2 Corinthians 6:20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Are you willing to be used by God to make his appeal?

Yesterday, the verse in front of me spoke of how much God loves us, but truly, God’s love is all around us. He relentlessly pursues us from the east, west, north and south. Often he uses his people to be the bearers of his love.

Sometimes he uses a big truck.