Month: October 2016

Choosing Our Path for Eternity – Matthew 7: 13-14

Matthew 7:13-14

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In our lives, we have choices to make. God has given everyone free-will to use however we wish.

This scripture tells us that we have a choice between two ways to live. Notice that both choices have gates at the end of the road. First there is the broad road with the wide gate and then there is the straight, thin road that leads to the narrow gate.

The popular choice is the wide gate and broad path. Along this route people may live, think and do anything they would like to do. Many take this path because they believe it’s the easier route; no commandments to obey, much partying and having fun along the way. Yes; the choice of this road does not require any restrictions. However, this path, in the end, leads to the gate of destruction and eternal death.

Then there is the narrow path. Not many take this path because it requires sacrifice. The person wishing to walk the narrow path must accept God’s son, Jesus into their hearts. Following that, they will live their lives according to Gods way, not because they must, but because they want to. Once chosen, this path contains security of everlasting life. People along this path enjoy fun, love, joy and happiness in a way the wide path cannot offer. This path, in the end, leads to the gates of Heaven and eternal life.

It is totally each person’s own choice to pick the road to follow. Consider thoughtfully and choose wisely!

Heavenly Father

I bless your holy name. I thank you Father that you have given everyone the free will to make our own decisions regarding the way we live our lives here on earth.

I am so very happy that when you called and I opened my heart to you, just the tiniest bit, I was immediately aware of your presence. I thank you that you took me in to become a part of your loving family. As a family member you guide me, lead me, you help me to grow and to stay true to you.

Do I live a perfect life now? Absolutely not! I was born into a sinful world and as much as I don’t want to, I confess I commit sin on a regular basis. The good news is, I don’t try to hide those sins. I come to you asking for them to be wiped away and thank you Father, they are.

I praise your mighty name. I praise you for who you are – the one and only true God. I thank you for sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

I pray others will find their way to the narrow path and will be as happy with their decision as I am.

In the name of my Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Learning Through the Scriptures – Romans 15: 4

Romans 15:

[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV)

romans-15-4

The author, Paul, is saying that the Old Testament scriptures weren’t written for only the people of that time frame but were written for the teaching of all people, regardless of the era.

God has kept the Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) alive and well read for centuries. Why? He intended for all people to learn from his Word, finding comfort through the reading of events and experiences of others.

The Bible demonstrates how God’s people stood rooted and learned to praise him in all situations. With biblical understanding, we can also grow in His ways and learn to keep a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts, as we walk through all phases of life, with peace.

Dear Father in Heaven

Thank you Father for leaving the Bible for us. It is full of information that teaches us, through accounts of people’s lives and their stories, how we are (and sometimes are not) to handle all the different events of our lives, good and bad.

By reading the scriptures I can see where mistakes were made and how some people grew through their choices and some didn’t. However I can definitely see your hand at work in every situation of every generation written about.

Help me Father to continue studying the Bible and learning through the lessons I read. Help me to listen and be guided by the Holy Spirit, to live as Jesus taught and to always remain close to you in prayer.

Thank you for loving me as you do. In the name of Jesus.

Amen

hallelujah

We are Not to Live by Our Own Merit? – Romans 8: 12-13

Romans 8: 12-13

206ac90956787ac8231927e516850b7c

Paul tells us that we (Christians) are in debt to God. He goes on to say that God is the one who gives us life and it is he that looks after us.

Paul emphasizes that we are not to live to the flesh or by our own ways. If we start to think and live in that way, then everything we do, we do on our own merit.

When that happens then we are saying that we don’t need God. We will become so conceited and proud that God won’t have a place in our lives anymore.

If we don’t stay in tune with the Holy Spirit, we begin to put ourselves in charge of our own lives. Through these types of thoughts and actions, we will fall away from the Lord quickly and die to self for eternity.

If we allow The Holy Spirit to be with us always; helping, guiding and leading us in the ways we are meant to go and if we listen and obey the Holy Spirit we will live for God for eternity.

Heavenly Father

I thank you for my life. Not only the life I am living here on earth but for my life, through salvation, my eternal life.

It pleases me to follow and give you the glory you deserve. If not for you Father, I would be lost forever.

Thank you that the Holy Spirit lives inside of me. Thank you for his leading and his teaching. I am so very blessed that I have him to guide me.

At his urging, I know where to go and how to act and he reminds me that all good gifts come from you Father. Thank you that the Holy Spirit leads me on the path of righteousness.

Thank you that you sent your Son to save me. I was a sinner, headed for death, but because of your Son’s sacrifice my soul is saved.

It is my honour and pleasure to thank you Lord for all you do and who you are. I am so very blessed to know you and of your love.

Because of you Father and your Son, Jesus and of the Holy Spirit I have the privilege of praising your mighty name now and for ever and ever.

In the precious name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray.

Amen

hallelujah

See that God is Good – Psalm 34: 7-10

Psalm 34: 7-10

7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

This Psalm was written by David after he had faked an epileptic seizure in Palestine. There are many different opinions as to whether he sinned by pretending to be afflicted or not. However, everyone agrees that it was correct for David to give God the glory for his release.

David says that an angel of the Lord was all around him. We, as believers, know that the Lord watches over his beloved, no matter where we are or what we are doing, thinking, saying and feeling at all times.

Since God knows everything, does this mean that, as his children, he will pull us out (deliver us) of every bad situation? No!

However, as his beloved, we can rest assured that He is aware of every situation and because sin is in the world and we have free will, God will sometimes allow what has to happen, to occur. We also must keep in mind that God will always give his children, what is best for us.

What about non-Christians? God has placed inside the heart of EVERY person in the world, (no matter of the era or country) the ability to know the truth about Him and the right to examine and know that God is real. God will not force us to come to him. We must open our hearts and ask him in, when he calls.

The good news is that God meets us exactly where we are. We don’t (and can’t) have to become perfect. If we waited until we had everything under control, we would never turn to God.

We are to be in fear (awe) of God. We are blessed to be his child and as his child, we will always receive exactly what we need (not necessarily what we desire).

Verse 10 says that even the young lion will periodically go hungry. Even the strongest animal in the jungle, sometimes lacks and suffers hunger. His strength and ability does not always bring him the food he desires.

If non- Christians work hard and believe in their own abilities, they may feel that they are just fine by themselves. However, there will always be a hunger inside them, for something that seems just beyond their reach…God’s love.

However, as Christians, that hunger is already filled. With the love of God, we have everything we need now and into eternity.  This is not necessarily in the material sense but in the feeling satisfied and loved.

Divine God

Thank you Father for all you do for me each and every day. I am so blessed that you have an angel assigned to watch over me and you deliver me from evil on a daily basis.

Thank you Father for your love. Thank you that when you called out to me, I heard your voice, saw your goodness and came running to you.

As your child I am in fear (awe) of you and because I put my trust in you, my heart is full, and never hungry. I am so very blessed.

I worship you Father for who you are, you deserve my worship. I’ll praise your name forever more.

In the Holy name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

hallelujah