13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

 Have you ever noticed that the things that provide safety are narrow or thin? A rock climber relies on his thin rope to support him if he falls, a sidewalk provides safety for people walking next to a roadway, bridges keep us from drowning while crossing a stream or river. Stepping off of those pathways or safety nets could result in personal injury, even death.

 In today’s verse, Jeus gives us insight into who will receive eternal life in Heaven, and those who are headed for destruction (Hell). It’s a narrow road that protects one from the dangers of this world. God’s word is the guide that keeps your life centered on His protective pathway. Any step off that path, and you quickly become caught in the mire of sin (like quicksand).

 If you call yourself a Christian, then your forward focus should be on that narrow pathway. Sadly, many have good intentions, but something or someone distracts them and detours from the narrow path seem pleasurable for the moment. Sooner or later those good times yield regret and momentary separation from God’s blessings. Trust me, there is NOTHING outside that pathway that should be explored or tested.

 God has provided you the pathway to Heaven. Walk in it daily by reading the bible, praying for wisdom, and listening to God’s quiet voice of reason. When you do, your steps will be guarded and you’ll never lose your footing on the pathway He’s provided for your life. God bless!  

 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

 In our everyday world, we might greet people by asking “how are you doing” or some other opening statement. Most of the time that brief encounter ends as quickly as it began. Even if the other person starts to share something, it’s most likely useless chatter. We’ve lost the ability to communicate with fellow human beings.

 Another breakdown in communication is with God. We might say a quick prayer in the morning, maybe give thanks for food, and a plea for help during a momentary crisis. If God were to replay your prayers for the week, how would you fair? If you are like me, you’d probably feel ashamed and recognize your shortcomings in communicating effectively with God.

 Today’s verse follows the story of Peter and John, who were brought before the Sanhedrin for proclaiming Jesus Christ and resurrection of the dead. Caiphas, the Jewish High Priest, also sat in on their case and was the one who oversaw the trial of Jesus. The Jewish council wanted to squash any record of Jesus and threatened Peter and John, telling them not to preach Jesus any longer…or else. Well, we know that Peter and John could not refrain from what they saw and heard, after walking with Jesus daily when alive.

 After their release, they joined fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for boldness. A community of believers, devoted to prayer, was enough to shake the room, and yield the Holy Spirit’s presence. That’s a powerful prayer.

 Your communication with God can be just as powerful when you devote quality time to share your concerns, seek wisdom, and give Him the praise He deserves. God longs to hear from you, why not give Him your very best act of communication, so you too can experience a life shaking moment in the presence of God!  

 

 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48

 When charged with a crime, the criminal must face a judge. That judge holds your life in his hands. He can either send you to prison, make you pay a hefty fine, or control your life in some other manner. Many who have faced a judge, are humbled and seek forgiveness, even pardon from their wrongdoing. The manner in which they approach the judge often influences the options he uses for judgment.

 As a child of God, you are going to sin. We live in these fleshly bodies that are weak and vulnerable to the temptations Satan uses to try to wreck our relationship with Jesus. Seeking His forgiveness frees us from the weight of guilt and shame. The truth is, Jesus is our judge, the one who holds our lives in the balance, and how we approach Him when seeking forgiveness determines the genuineness of our faith. So, what does our approach to Him look like when seeking forgiveness?

 Take a moment to read Luke 7:36-50.

 Here we see a woman who is known in the community as a sinful person. While dining at the home of a Pharisee, she approaches Jesus, convicted of her sinful lifestyle, weeping. She bends down and washes His feet with her tears, wiping them with her long hair, anointing his feet with a fragrant oil, and continually kisses His feet. A humble act that most likely represented the depth of her heart’s desire to seek His forgiveness.

 What a powerful story. Standing at the feet of Jesus Christ reveals our unworthiness to be accepted by Him. Thankfully God’s grace and mercy for His creation was shown through the humiliating death His Son, Jesus Christ, bore on a Roman cross as payment for the sins of mankind. When you think about it, we don’t deserve His forgiveness because of His holiness. Yet, He extends that forgiveness to us without conditions.

 God’s love for you should be the motivation, and expression of sincere repentance you show Him as you ask His forgiveness. Let that sinful woman’s act, be the example you should follow when seeking God’s forgiveness for your trespasses. God bless! 

 

 …woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16b

 Traffic lights, Crossing Guards, and railroad crossing gates all have a purpose and that is to prevent something bad from happening to drivers or pedestrians. Without them, we are vulnerable to the dangers of cars running into us, children being struck crossing the road, or our vehicle smashed by a passing train. They serve a very specific purpose and without them, our lives would most likely suffer.

 In today’s scripture the Apostle Paul said “woe is me if I do not preach”. God called him into the ministry in a special way. His life was radically changed and because of his loyalty to God, we have scripture to reference and guide our daily lives as children of God. Without his dedication to preach Christ, we might not know about God’s love and His forgiveness through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 The question that you need to ask yourself, “what is my purpose, my ministry, my reason Jesus saved me”? You could fill in the blank using today’s scripture…woe is me if I do not ______________. What is your woe? Are you actively living out your purpose? The realization that if you aren’t doing God’s bidding, others probably suffer.

 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

 1 Corinthians 1:9 tells us that if you are a child of God, He chose you to have fellowship with His Son. That means you have a reason for your salvation and part of His plan to touch the lives of those outside the faith through your specific ministry; your talents and abilities He’s given you.  

Take some time this week to ask God, “what is my woe and how can I fulfill Your purpose in my life”. God will give you that answer and it’s up to you to see it through. Others suffer when you don’t fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

 

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1

 As I get older, my body reminds me the abuse I put it through over the years. Jumping off tractors, riding on bumpy hay wagons while bailing hay, running in track, bouncing around in a boat during my career, and lifting heavy things that strained my back. I really feel it every morning, as I slowly crawl out of bed, the pain greets me, from head to toe. My first inclination is to reach for the ibuprofen, but what I’ve learned is if I can stand the pain for an hour, my body slowly adjust and the pain eventually goes away. Last thing I want to do is rely on pain meds to help me overcome something I know will sooner or later dissolve.

 As humans, we tend to reach for the first thing that brings us relief when we experience pain. Not only physical pain, but emotional pain as well. An argument with a friend, a difficult day at work, a family member who generates friction, and let’s not forget about anxiety that seems to be more prevalent than ever these days.  Alcohol, drugs, prescription meds….all of these (and other things) seem to be the “go to” when faced with difficult days. Slowly over time these temporary relief items become more routine, then a habit forms, and eventually an addiction takes over and every excuse in used to find relief. Is that who you want to be?

 Today’s scripture reminds us that the things we go through in life have a time limit. You might experience difficulty over the course of a few hours, weeks, maybe even years, with little relenting. The faith in Christ you claim to hold onto is put to the test. Are you going to seek something to relieve the pressure, sadness, or anger? Or, are you going to trust in Christ to keep you free from those addictive things and behaviors that God disapproves? I can tell you after years of dealing with some issues myself, God sustained me in the battles, and not once did I find relief in any temporary things or pleasures that Satan tried to entice me.

 I know my wake-up pain will only last an hour or so, and if I can hang in there, it will get better without pain meds. The same goes for you and the things you battle against daily. Hang in there, put your faith and trust in God to see you through, and He will do it for you and bless you in the process for keeping your body, heart, mind, and soul free from the toxic relief meds the world wants to throw at you.  

 

 That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

 If you’ve read about Jesus Christ in the bible, you know His life was consistent with what He taught His disciples and those who followed Him. At no time did He act out of character, even when tempted by Satan.

 Colossians 1:10 encourages us to follow in the same path as Jesus Christ. As God’s children, our thoughts, words, and actions should be clearly visible for those outside the faith to see. By doing so, you open the door, or view, for people to truly see who this Jesus Christ is and the impact He has on your life.  

 I recently had a conversation with a fellow Christian who shared an experience where she was with a friend. They were hungry and her friend stopped at a local bar/restaurant for food. As they went in, she immediately felt out of place. Even two people in that establishment told her she did not belong there and it would be best if she left. So, she dragged her friend out of there and went to a place of safety. 

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-3

 I truly believe people in that establishment saw the light of Christ in her, giving her the warning to leave. Do others see the light of Christ in you? Do you live your faith continually throughout each day? Or do you have moments when the flesh takes over and you find yourself in a place not fit for a child of God?

 As my wise wife always says, “life is all about choices”. You have the choice of who you will follow. Yes, it’s difficult to maintain that strict walk while in a world enticing you to step out of character. By leaning on God’s Holy Spirit, you too can ensure your words, thoughts, and actions reflect the life of Christ. God bless!  

 

 12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel:

 “Sun, stand still over Gibeon;

And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”

13 So the sun stood still,

And the moon stopped,

Till the people had revenge

Upon their enemies.

 Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. Joshua 10:12-14

 Sometimes I think we, as children of God, underestimate the power of our Creator. We encounter a problem and are reluctant to give it to God for His help. Maybe it’s something sinful we’ve done and the results are disastrous and we need a way to get back on the path of righteousness. There are many opportunities for God to intervein, but He’s waiting on us to acknowledge Him in our day of trouble. How much trust do you have in God to help you?

 We read in today’s verses, Joshua 10:12-14, Joshua requested God stop the sun’s movement, so Israel could finish the battle. God answered his request by halting the sun and moon. WOW, talk about powerful. Although Joshua was a man of strong faith, I believe he was probably awed by God’s ability to manage the universe for Israel’s advantage. Even today, we see God intervening in Israel’s battles with their enemies.

 What battle, or battles, are facing you today? They come in all shapes and sizes and many of them look impossible to defeat. Turn your battles over to the One who controls the universe! He can and will work a miracle on your behalf when you have faith in His abilities. Faith is the necessary ingredient that gives power to your prayer request. Have faith in Him as you release those battles into His hands. God bless!