Deciding on the Right Path

Have you ever made a wrong turn and found yourself very lost before you realized something went wrong somewhere? Maybe you were hiking down a trail and decided to venture off the path for a better view of the surroundings only to discover you couldn’t find the right path again?

Maybe you have made decisions in life that took you places you later wished you had never gone? Maybe you made some bad choices and soon found yourself engaging in a lifestyle you never would’ve imagined yourself in? Maybe your life is in bondage to habits or a lifestyle that you can’t seem to break free from?

Life is a series of decisions and choices we make. As we wonder along, we constantly approach forks in our path that require us to decide which way we will go. One of those forks, the single most important you will be come across, concerns your eternity.

The right path leads through Jesus to eternal life while the other continues to lead to a path of ultimate destruction. You have to decide which path you wish to follow. No one can make that decision for you. The eventual consequences for your decision will rest securely upon your head on the day of final judgement.

In His great love for you and me and His desire to share eternity with us, Jesus encourages everyone to “enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13a HCSB); to discover the right path and to follow it. He warned us all that “the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it” (v. 13b).

You look out at the world and it’s enticing, no doubt—the lights, the glamour, the excitement, the freedom it has to offer—really hard to push away from. The draw of worldly things, worldly living makes it extremely difficult to find any other way but the wide road. Everyone around you is having a great time. How can you choose any different? The right path will be there later—after you’ve enjoyed life’s pleasures for a season! Or will it?

How many people have made just such a decision to find themselves facing eternity unexpectedly? How many have driven away from their home to never return—because their drinking ended in a tragic accident that was never expected?

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus told the story of a young man who had it all going for him in life but when he least expected it, “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you’” (Luke 12:20).

Jesus enhanced His warning when He said: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up for us!’ He will answer you, ‘I don’t know you or where you’re from’” (Luke 13:24-25).

A time is coming when the door will close and entry will no longer be available. Some who are relying upon a few good deeds or actions will discover eternal life required more. Jesus will announce to these, “I never knew you! Depart from Me” (Matthew 7:23).

Eternal life is a choice you make. The price has been paid. But you must choose to follow the path of Jesus to inherit His kingdom. You must determine to surrender yourself over to Him, to serve Him and to follow after His ways. Deciding on the right path is your choice.

Scripture Reading: “How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment, and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.” (Psalm 1 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I confess my life has not been up to par. I have chosen the wrong path time and again. The wrong path has always left me feeling inadequate and ill-prepared to love You and to follow after You. Today, I am making the determination in my life to follow only You. I turn my back on the world and all its ways and I surrender completely to You as my Savior and Lord. Please forgive me where I have failed You and take complete control of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for not giving up on me. I love You and praise You! In Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Just When Your Day Can’t Get Any Worse

Ever had one of those days when things just couldn’t get any worse, but they do? Things go wrong at home; then they are compounded by problems at work; only to be superseded by some dreadful news about another catastrophe within the family. These are those times when it seems to just continue to pile up until all you want to do is run and hide—just get me out of this mess, Lord!

David and his fighting men had been engaged in battle alongside the Philistine warriors. However, the commanders were unsure of his loyalty so they sent him and his men back home to Ziklag rather than allowing them to fight in the next battle. The Bible tells us: “David and his men arrived in Ziklag on the third day. The Amalekites had raided the Negev and attacked and burned down Ziklag. They also had kidnapped the women and everyone in it from the youngest to the oldest. They had killed no one but had carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men arrived at the town, they found it burned down. Their wives, sons, and daughters had been kidnapped” (1 Samuel 30:1-3 HCSB).

Just when David didn’t think his day could get any worse, he arrives back home to discover his home town burned down and all the wives and children had been kidnapped. But, it even got worse for the Bible says: “David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters” (v. 6). Those who had been closest to him now talked of killing him.

What do you do in such a difficult situation? How do you survive and overcome? How do you break free? How do you find peace and a sense of security in the midst of mounting difficulties? The Bible gives us the only viable solution as we read: “David found strength in the Lord his God” (v. 6).

As his troubles continued to mount, David understood the ROCK upon which he could stand and it was there that his world would not be shaken. In the midst of chaos and confusion, trials and troubles, growing persecution and overwhelming complications, JESUS is the ROCK, Jesus is the SHELTER, Jesus is the DELIVERER who will carry you through to victory.

While we are not promised a life exempt from problems and difficulties, we are promised that “those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). There is no need to be overwhelmed by your mounting problems because the One who loves you will see you through to victory.

We are promised that “the LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). No matter how difficult your struggles may appear, the LORD promises to be right there beside you all the way. Even when He appears to be silent even absent, be at peace knowing that He remains right there ready to respond on your behalf at your moment of deepest need.

The Bible tells us: “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken; he also rescued his two wives. Nothing of theirs was missing from the youngest to the oldest, including the sons and daughters, of all the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David got everything back” (vv. 18-19). While it definitely wasn’t the way David and his men would have liked for things to go, GOD ultimately showed up and strengthened their faith by giving them an overwhelming victory.

Things may not look real good for you right now? You may be facing enormous struggles and difficulties but trust that GOD will be there for you. He will show up when your strength begins to waver. His overwhelming power and might will manifest itself for you and He will carry you through to victory. When you think things just can’t get any worse, it’s a really good time to quit looking at the growing problems and focus upon the One who has the answers!

Scripture Reading: “My heart is confident, God; I will sing; I will sing praises with the whole of my being. Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your faithful love is higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. God, be exalted above the heavens; let Your glory be over the whole earth. Save with Your right hand and answer me so that those You love may be rescued. God has spoken in His sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine, and Ephraim is My helmet; Judah is My scepter. Moab is My washbasin; on Edom I throw My sandal. Over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have You not rejected us, God? God, You do not march out with our armies. Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes.” (Psalm 108 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I am overwhelmed by my problems today. I so need to feel some relief. The enemy has battered me and beat me up. Please rescue me by Your great power. Set me free from these problems so I may dwell in Your peace and comfort. Help me, Lord, to see my struggles as a time for growth and then to utilize that new found growth and strength in my ongoing struggles of life. Help me to recognize that I am an overcomer today because You are my Lord and my GOD! I trust You today with all that I am…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Struggling Along in an Ungodly World

If you spend much time out in the world, you find out quickly that the world stands in stark opposition to your Christian walk and standards. In fact, if you are attempting to live out your Christian faith, you will discover many out there find every opportunity they can to take shots at your faith. It’s easy to get down about the situation and even find yourself struggling along trying to survive in the ungodliness of the world we are in.

Most every day you will come across those who make comments about you and to you; those who push the envelope nearby you with course jokes and jesting just to try to antagonize you; and, of course, you can’t forget those who find it sporting to actually openly ridicule you for your faith.

Jude assured us this would happen and even warned that it would grow in intensity as the day of the Lord approaches. He wrote: “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18, NASB). The jokes, the jesting, the ridicule, the intimidation is all to be expected, if you are truly living out your faith.

Jude continues talking about these particular people by telling us: “These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit” (v. 19). In other words, their jesting and mockery of the things of God are a direct revelation of their true nature of worldliness and absence of the Spirit of God within their hearts and lives. Keep in mind that their mockery is truly aimed at God; you are merely the servant through whom they are able to cast it.

Instead of allowing these individuals to create hardships for you or becoming judgmental or even condemning towards them, keep in mind what Jude tells us to do. He encourages us to: “Have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (vv. 22-23).

Rather than allowing yourself to feel beat-up by these individuals, Jude encourages you to recognize their plight; recognize their destiny is hell; and as you do so, you should be putting your efforts into snatching them out of the hell-fires by showing mercy and grace towards them.

Rather than becoming like them; reveal the love of Christ to them. Help them to recognize that there is a better way; there is a better path to take in life. There is the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.

Certainly there will be those who reject your acts of mercy and grace, but by the power of the Spirit of God working through you, some will come to discover Christ as their Savior, repent and turn from their sinful ways and live transformed lives.

Simply be Jesus regardless of the mockery the world may generate against you. Allow the world to see only Jesus working in and through everything you are and everything you do. Leave all the vindication to God; simply show love—regardless!

Scripture Reading: “But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and He hears my voice. Though many are against me, He will redeem me from my battle unharmed. God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear, and will humiliate them because they do not change and do not fear God. He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant. His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. You, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.” (Psalm 55:16-23 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I am surrounded by mockers. My faith is tested daily; my ability to stand firm is constantly under pressure; my willingness to continue to serve you is under constant bombardment from those of this world. I pray You would strengthen me in those times when I become weak. I pray my trust would be constantly in You and in Your ability. I pray that those who would seek harm against me would find me to be a person of love, mercy and grace. Forgive me for where I have failed in the past and help me to ever be mindful that my response could have a great deal of influence upon the eventual response of those who would seek to harm me through their words and actions. I love You and praise You always…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

From Mountain High to Valley Low

Have you ever found yourself dancing on the mountain of victory only to have your legs knocked from under you a short time later? You have finally reached the pinnacle; happiness, contentment and peace are overwhelming your life.

You’ve struggled for this moment, gone through times of extreme difficulty but finally you have reached what you were aiming for. And then, WHAM! You find yourself tumbling back down into the valley of despair.

Elijah was on the mountain of victory. God had shown up in a powerful way and all the prophets of the foreign gods had been destroyed. The Scripture tells us: “Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!’” (1 Kings 19:1-2 HCSB).

Jezebel was infuriated and determined to destroy Elijah. “Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life” (v. 3). It’s amazing how quickly Elijah went from a dance of victory to running in fear for his life.

When he finally reached the valley of despair, “He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, ‘I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my fathers’” (v. 4).

You’ve been there as well! You know exactly what I’m talking about. Life was grand—until—the bottom fell out! The mountain top view was overwhelmingly beautiful but one little intrusion into your ideal world and you were sliding rapidly back down into the valley of utter despair.

Elijah began to throw a pity party for himself. He wanted out. He just wanted to die! But the Lord came to him and asked him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v. 9). What are you doing groveling around in despair?

Elijah responded by recounting how faithful he had been while everybody else was being unfaithful. He quit looking at God and began only seeing all his mounting problems. Soon, despair took over. Has that happened to you? Past victories and the present workings of God become obscured by the mounting troubles of the moment.

But, once again, God showed up! Praise God, He never gives up. He told Elijah: “‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.’ At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (vv.11-13).

God’s reminded Elijah of His divine power over all things. But, that wasn’t what God wanted Elijah to focus upon. It was the still small voice of God that beckoned Elijah to wake up to reality and to once again recognize who is ultimately in control of all things. And once again the same question came forth: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

God is quietly asking you right now: What are you doing here today? Are you groveling in your despair? Throwing yourself a pity party? Overwhelmed by all the problems your life is filled up with?

Look to the One who is all powerful today. Look to the One who has the ability to pull you up out of the valley low and to carry you all the way back up to the mountaintop of victory. Listen for His still small voice beckoning you to simply trust Him.

God took Elijah and put him right back into service. God wants you back in service unto Him—right now! Simply trust His leading; have complete confidence in Him and Him alone! Quit whining and complaining and start shouting out your cry of victory.

Scripture Reading: “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’ As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another [god] for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I sometimes get really sidetracked. I lose sight of Your glory. I lose confidence in Your ability. I begin to take my eyes off of You and begin looking only at myself. I find myself especially vulnerable when I am up on a mountain of spiritual victory only to find myself slammed back down into the valley of despair. Father, I must learn to trust in You always. I must learn to listen for Your still, small voice that desires to lead me down the right paths of life. Help me, Lord, to trust in You alone! Help me when I falter to look only to You and help me, Lord, to become the person You desire for me to be. I love You and praise You always, in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Impossible Missions Becomes Possible

Life can be tough even on a good day. Struggles and problems seem to bombard our lives bringing chaos into the midst of what should normally be times of peace and tranquility. Much too often it seems like you just pick yourself up from one problem only to find yourself facing yet another difficulty.

Moses had just come down off of the mountain. He had spent forty days basking in the presence of God only to discover that the people God had sent him to deliver from Egyptian bondage had already slipped back into their old ways. I’m sure he was overwhelmed by the entire situation. But in the midst of the mess, Moses remained focused upon God.

God appeared to Moses and told him: “Go, leave here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised” (Exodus 33:1 HCSB). But Moses recognized his inabilities and responded: “Look, You have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people” (vv. 12-13).

Moses knew he could never carry out such a task in his own power and strength. He acknowledged his need for a higher power that would enable him to be able to function in the way such a task mandated. To this, God promised: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest (v. 14).

Imagine for a moment the monumental task of leading over a million rebellious people on a journey through the wilderness. Imagine the planning and preparation needed to fulfill such a role. Imagine the problems and struggles that Moses would encounter along the way. Moses recognized it was beyond his own capabilities to fulfill such a mission. Without the help of God, he knew the mission was simply impossible.

Impossible missions are made possible through the presence of Almighty God. When God shows up, we have no need to fear or worry, we only need to sit back and watch in amazement as He carries out His marvelous works.

The Israelites had witnessed the power of God at the Red Sea. The Egyptian military was bearing down on them. They had nowhere to run. Doom was all they could see. But Moses looked beyond the difficulty and saw the answer. He raised his arms to heaven and told the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation He will provide for you today…The Lord will fight for you” (Exodus 14:13-14). And that they did!

King David found himself in the darkest moment of his life. He had committed numerous sins and was rapidly slipping into total despair. God sent Nathan the prophet to reveal his sin and God’s knowledge of it. In what is perhaps the most epic prayer of forgiveness, David cried out to God: “Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11).

The fear of being banished from God’s presence and lacking the power of the Spirit was at the forefront of David’s mind at the moment. Above all other things, David understood life for him would be impossible without God’s presence and power. That should speak volumes to you and I.

As Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, He was sharing with His disciples some last minute instructions. He told them: “Look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Jesus understood the struggles, problems, and difficulties that each of us would encounter. He knew we would be unable to overcome them in our own power. He recognized that carrying out His mission would only be made possible by the presence of God in our lives at all times.

Thus, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower and to enable us in all things. Moses knew he couldn’t carry out the task before him without the presence of God. David feared being without the Spirit of God. You and I must realize that we are incapable of carrying out the task before us without the presence of God.

Seek the presence of the Spirit to dwell within you, to guide you and to help you through life—not only in those difficult times when you seem to be sinking in life’s problems but even in the good times you need the presence of God’s Spirit—always.

Scripture Reading: Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to understand the importance of Your Spirit in my life. Help me to recognize I am nothing without You. Help me to trust in You in all things—to have confidence in Your abilities rather than my own. As I go through my daily walk, I pray that You would guide and direct me. I pray that You would have Your way—that I would set aside my thoughts and trust in Yours. I love You and thank You for always caring for me…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!