At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I died. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away. They’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do it anymore, He just smiles and says…” Pedal.” Permission Granted SALVATION WISE u 10 GLAD TIDINGS AUGUST 2026 A Place to Laugh, Love, Grow and Belong JESSICA TEED/CBN JUNE 19, 2026 I unlocked the door and walked into my office, feeling overwhelmed by everything going on in my life. On my desk was an envelope with my name on it, and underneath it was written, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 NLT) As I opened the envelope, I discovered a card with cash, but there was no signature. Who left this for me? I wondered. A few weeks earlier, I discovered my car would require costly repairs—I did not have the funds. For weeks, I had been catching a ride to and from work with a co-worker or walking nearly 5 miles to the office. Just 6 months prior, I had stepped out in faith—leaving behind everything and everyone I knew to follow the Lord to Virginia Beach. I didn’t have family nearby, and I hadn’t yet found a church home. At times, it felt like I was walking that journey alone. But God, in His faithfulness, reminded me I wasn’t. A co-worker quietly left me a gift—inside was exactly what I needed to catch a train back to my family in Pennsylvania and pick up a new car. In that moment, I saw the body of Christ in action… the Lord providing through someone willing to listen and respond. God never intended for us to live life alone. He intended for us to live life together. When the body of Christ is healthy, nothing is missing, and nothing is lacking. God is an intentional God. Your gifts, talents, abilities, personality, finances, and material possessions are all intended to be a blessing to others around you, not just a blessing to you. Everything belongs to God. (See Deuteronomy 10:14-17, Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10, James 1:17, and Revelation 4:11.) God made you different on purpose—and gave you what you have for a reason. You are a divine design! Just as it is with spiritual gifts and talents, everyone is given different blessings to steward in this life. We are each a piece of the puzzle that perfectly fits within the body of Christ. When we are united in heart and mind under the same purpose of glorifying God in all we say and do with all that He has given us, the body of Christ can function as God intended. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. (Acts 4:32-35) Have you ever been surprised by God’s provision—when He met a need in your life through someone else in the body of Christ? That’s what it looks like when the body of Christ is in action. And have you ever felt a quiet nudge from the Lord, prompting you to bless someone else in that same way? There’s something deeply comforting about receiving God’s provision… but there’s an even greater joy in being part of how He provides for someone else. I want to invite you to pause and pray—ask the Lord who He is calling you to bless today. It might be a struggling single mother who could use help putting groceries on the table. Or perhaps a widow who needs a hand with yardwork or simple home repairs. It could even be a co-worker quietly carrying a heavy burden—someone who just needs to be reminded they’re not alone. God is always at work through willing hearts. Who is He placing on your heart today? u Permission Granted Christian Broadcasting Network Divine Provision: A Comforting Gift QUOTES It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an over-night success. Lionel Messi - Argentine Professional Football Player u Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Washington Irving 1783 - 1859 - Writer u “PEDAL”
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