Tag: Matthew 7:13-14

“Rather he delights himself in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on His teachings day and night.” Psalm 1

Lonesome Valley

The Carter Family

Everybody’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

My father’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
he’s got to walk it by his self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for him,
he’s got to walk it by his self.

My mother’s got to walk that lonesome valley
she’s got to walk it by her self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for her,
she’s got to walk it by her self.

My brother’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
he’s got to walk it by his self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for him,
he’s got to walk it by his self.

Most sinners got to walk this lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

Everybody’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

Psalm 1 GOD’S WORD Translation

BOOK ONE

(Psalms 1–41)

1 Blessed is the person who does not
follow the advice of wicked people,
take the path of sinners,
or join the company of mockers.
2 Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord
and reflects on his teachings day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted beside streams—
a tree that produces fruit in season
and whose leaves do not wither.
He succeeds in everything he does.[a]

4 Wicked people are not like that.
Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away.
5 That is why wicked people will not be able to stand in the judgment
and sinners will not be able to stand where righteous people gather.

6 The Lord knows the way of righteous people,
but the way of wicked people will end.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Rather He Delights Himself in the Teachings of the Lord.

Right from the start, I look at that word “Rather” and in my Christian frame of mind, I wonder – in whose other teachings would the Psalmist rather delight?

Verse 1 drops the answers into the exact center of our spiritual consciousness:

1 Blessed is the person who does not
follow the advice of wicked people,
take the path of sinners,
or join the company of mockers.

Following the Advice of Wicked People.

Take the Path of Sinners.

Join in the Company of Mockers.

Psalm 1 is called the preamble to the book of Psalms.

That is, it serves as an introduction to the entire book.

What is said in Psalm 1 is relevant to all the rest of the book of Psalms.

Charles Spurgeon viewed it this way:

“The matter of the first Psalm, which may be looked upon, in some respects, as the text upon which the whole of the Psalms make up a divine sermon.”

The psalms begin with these words: “Blessed is the man.” In Psalm 1, God addresses man’s most basic question: How can I be happy (blessed) in this life?

Is this true? Does God really want us to be happy?

Absolutely!

And this happiness is not temporary, but perpetual.

The word translated blessed is plural in the original Hebrew.

That is, it means perpetual blessings. It can be read blessedness’s or happiness’s.

So how can I be happy, truly happy?

Not Following the Advice of Wicked People.

Not Taking the Path of Sinners.

Not Joining in the Company of Mockers.

Very wise and very sage advice when spoken with Authority in any age.

  • Join in with the crowds residing within the bounds of the “evils of this age?”
  • Join in with crowds residing within the boundless salvation of Almighty God?

Choosing the directions for our lives, Psalm 1 is called a wisdom psalm because we learn that happiness results from our choice to follow God’s direction of life.

In this psalm the writer sets forth two ways or two directions to choose in life.

One is specifically stated to the right way that leads us to happiness in the Lord, the other is specifically stated to be the wrong way that leads to worldly misery.

The Right Way

Psalm 1:1-3 Amplified Bible

Book One

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

1 [a]Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of [b]scoffers (ridiculers).
2 
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.
3 
And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season;
Its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].

The wisdom of Psalm 1 captures a fundamental teaching found in both the Old and New Testaments.

In the writings of the Old Testament God teaches His people that one’s choice of one’s life’s mindset will determine both the direction, the outcome of their life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Amplified Bible

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding closely to Him; for He is your life [your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment] and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord promised (swore) to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Choosing to live one’s life in the 24×7 mindset of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, by obeying His voice and holding closely to Him:

  1. For He IS your life
  2. For He is your GOOD life
  3. He is your ABUNDANT life
  4. He is your FULFILLMENT of life
  5. He is the LENGTH OF OUR DAYS that we may live in the land which the Lord promised (swore, gave an oath to) to give to your fathers and the Patriarchs.

In Matthew’s Narrative of the Gospel,

Jesus’ message to the crowds is to choose the right way in life:

Matthew 7:13-14 Amplified Bible

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.

Choosing the Right Path

First, in Psalm 1:1 we learn that happiness comes by choosing to walk on a righteous path.

This determination is directly connected to other people.

Each line in this verse teaches us to avoid the wrong kinds of interpersonal relationships – our choice of friends make all the difference in our lives.

Notice what this verse says:

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.”

Choosing the righteous path includes refusing advice from those who hold godless values and whose moral and ethical choices violate the laws of God.

The second line goes a step further: “nor standeth in the way of sinners.”

It is one thing to listen to wicked counsel.

It is quite another to decisively side and to compromise with that viewpoint.

Instead, the happy person refuses to follow the worldly crowd.

You don’t see him “hanging out” with those who pursue sin as a lifestyle.

Finally, he refuses to sit and associate with those whose conversations mock and curse God: “nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

If you and I want to choose to be miserable, we make our best friends those who are scornful, critical and disrespectful.

The three verbs—walk, stand and sit—show the oily, slippery slope of evil.

Evil is not passive.

It is ever descending.

The longer we go slipping and sliding, the worse we get -as a pattern of evil choices causes a downward spiral in our character that leads to destruction.

Hungering for God’s Word

Second, Psalm 1:2 resoundingly declares happiness comes by developing a strong appetite for God’s Word and NOT Satan’s incessant barrage of lies.

We learn to enjoy the Bible by nurturing the disciplined habit of meditation.

Meditation involves a 24/7—“day and night”—focus on the Scripture.

This means individually, in Koinonia fellowship seeking to better understand the Bible’s true meaning, as well as, its correct application to us personally.

The Spirit of God makes the Word of God satisfying to the soul of man.

The Scriptures are “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103) and “more to be desired [desirable] are they than gold” (Psalm 19:10).

In some contexts the word meditate can be translated growl or groan or moan.

It conveys the idea of muttering.

Perhaps you know someone who walks around mumbling to himself.

We tend to view such behavior as socially odd.

But the reality is that all of us talk to ourselves inside our heads all the time.

There is a mental discussion going on continuously.

Some people simply express parts of their dialogue audibly.

This mental conversation is meditation.

God blesses us as we mull over His words day and night (Psalm 1:2).

The reason this way of life makes one so happy is that is fulfills the purpose for which we were created.

God’s first command to man was to “be fruitful” (Genesis 1:28).

Psalm 1 describes the happy man as being “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

Fruit bearing is the result of deep roots’ finding their way, winding their way, to an abundant supply of nourishment from underground streams of water.

God’s Word is an all-sufficient, eternal supply of empowering grace for all of life – even during difficult, seemingly barren times, the Word will sustain life.

A fruitful life is a blessed life.

So David states that God’s way to happiness is being separated from the world, utterly saturated with the Word, and fruitful and successful in doing God’s will.

The Wrong Way

Psalm 1:4-6 Amplified Bible

4 
The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so,
But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away.
5 
Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 
For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked shall perish.

David goes on in verse 4 to contrast the way of the righteous with the way of the ungodly: “the ungodly are not so.”

Charles Spurgeon makes a powerful point when he notes that the Hebrew proposes a double negative: “‘Not so the ungodly, no so.’ Oh! how terrible is it to have a double negative put upon the promises! and yet this is just the condition of the ungodly.”

Ungodliness will never, never prosper!

In the end ungodly people’s lives are deemed as “chaff.”

In other words, they are deemed pointless, worthless, lifeless and useless.

They will be driven away by the wind of God’s judgment.

They will not dwell with the people of God in the congregation of the righteous (Psalm 1:5).

At the end of the passage, the psalmist sets forth two directions

—the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly;

two decisions—to meditate on God’s Word or to listen to ungodly counsel;

and two destinies—the righteous will enjoy God’s presence forever, but the ungodly will perish.

Psalm 1 The Message

1 How well God must like you—
    you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
    you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
    you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.

2-3 Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
    you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
    bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
    always in blossom.

4-5 You’re not at all like the wicked,
    who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
    unfit company for innocent people.

6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take leads to nowhere.

Lonesome Valley

The Carter Family

Everybody’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

My father’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
he’s got to walk it by his self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for him,
he’s got to walk it by his self.

My mother’s got to walk that lonesome valley
she’s got to walk it by her self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for her,
she’s got to walk it by her self.

My brother’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
he’s got to walk it by his self.
There’s nobody here can walk it for him,
he’s got to walk it by his self.

Most sinners got to walk this lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

Everybody’s got to walk that lonesome valley,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.
There’s nobody here can walk it for them,
they’ve got to walk it by their selves.

Choosing This Day Your Path Unto True Happiness?
About You Discovering Your Path to True Happiness?
About You Walking On Your Path to True Happiness?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Lord, we ask that you will make us a blessed people who do not walk in the wicked’s counsel, stand in the sinners’s way, or sit in the scoffers’s seat, but who find such delight in your instruction that it is always on our hearts, minds, and lips. 

Make us like a well-watered tree, nurtured to bear fruit and prosperous in all you give us to do.  Keep us from being like those who oppose you.  Their plans have the appearance of wisdom, but will ultimately come to nothing when you come to weigh and measure human works. 

We trust you and know that your judgment is always righteous.  Thank you for showing us your path—the path that leads to life—in your Word and through your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Adeste Fideles! Laeti Triumphantes! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

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20/20 Hindsight. The “Right Ways” and The “Wrong Ways,” All the “Ways” that Seem So Right to Us. Proverbs 14:11-13

Proverbs 14:11-13 The Message

11 Lives of careless wrongdoing are run-down shacks;
    holy living builds soaring cathedrals.

12-13 There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;
    look again—it leads straight to hell.
Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,
    but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis. Venite Adoremus. Dominum.

Gloria. In Excelsis Deo. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Reflections: 20/20 Hindsight and Run Down Cabins in the Woods

Many of us have had moments when we have looked back on a past decision and wondered, “How did I ever think that was a good idea?”

Yet at the time, that decision or choice probably seemed right to us.

There’s a reason why people say, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

This means that you and I can often see a situation more clearly (as with 20/20 vision) after it has passed and you have had time to learn and also lament from some of the choices or lack of choices you have or have not made.

Our own ability to see clearly in the present moment is limited.

And what appears to be a right decision or right thinking in the moment can sometimes do more harm than good.

There is a reason why people also seriously lament that “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Paint a portrait “Hindsight is 20/20” for your living room wall might look strikingly, an infinity mirrored vision of one man looking at his own back.

illustration of man reflecting himself in the mirror, loop surreal concept

9-13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I’ve had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he’s left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he’s coming or going. I’ve decided that there’s nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That’s it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It’s God’s gift. [Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 Message]

Solomon was a wise son who paid attention to his father, David.

He also sought to be a wise father by sharing his wisdom with his own sons and compiling his own set of righteous guidelines and the learned sayings of others, into a compendium, then, today, and tomorrow, is called the Book of Proverbs.

He did this to encourage his own children towards righteous living.

Reverence for the Lord our God and trust in His Word is the foundation upon which true wisdom is based and we in the Church age have discovered that in our Savior Christ Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Living and Learning from our wise and foolish choices in life are of a true and lasting benefit and these ‘Proverbs of Solomon’ are an amazing collection of maxims for profitable living – ancient learning from the wisest of the wise.

They cover an extraordinarily wide range of subject matter which can surely help the reader to prevent foolish behaviour and ungodly decisions in areas like relationships and friendships, laboring, working, finances, and a fruitful life.

This not only pleases God and demonstrates faith in His Word, but gives every day measured advice on peaceful living while avoiding troublesome situations.

Like much of the book of the Proverbs, Chapter 14 is written in couplets which contrast wise and foolish behaviour.

We read a wise woman builds her home, but the foolish woman tears it down; the one who walks in uprightness fears God, while the devious despises Him.

This chapter also compares and contrasts a trustworthy witness with a false one, bitterness with joy, also foolish and wise attitude towards sin, and the inevitable destruction of wicked men with the upright man, who will flourish.

In this verse the couplet has a poignant twist, demonstrating the truly chilling consequences of self-deception.

It explains that a bad decision… which may seem to be a good and wise choice from a human perspective, will in fact result in disaster.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

The collection of people in this proverb are deluded and devoid of true wisdom and understanding, which comes from God alone.

By falsely judging a situation to be beneficial, they find that the thing which appeared so enticing and which they thought was so right, had the opposite effect and only brought them to disaster. 

This saying is a ‘stand-alone’ truth that is applicable to every man, but in order to discover the godly way to go, the correct choices to make, the true path that leads to life and light, peace and hope… the entire book of Proverbs needs to be seriously taken into account for it records every aspect of living a godly life.

Perhaps the key to the entire book of Proverbs, upon which all every piece of good advice is founded, is the truth Solomon taught his son in chapter 3,

Proverbs 3:5-8 English Standard Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh[a]
    and refreshment[b] to your bones.

Guidance for godly and ungodly living can be found throughout these Proverbs and it is attributed to lifelong observations of Solomon – the wisest of the wise by God’s gift [1 Kings 3:5-15] but also the very pinnacle of fools [1 Kings 11:1-4]

Illustration of man, face hidden, looking down at the end of his life’s surreal path

Jesus also spoke to the interested, disinterested, about 20/20 hindsight …

20/20 Examining Our Faith and How We Choose to Look at Things

Matthew 6:25-34 New King James Version

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one [a]cubit to his [b] stature?

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not [c]arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Six years ago, in the atrium of our church one Sunday, I noticed one of our senior members standing quietly.

Her face wasn’t happy, but it was welcoming. I understood the look of tiredness and concern he showed.

Her husband of 63 years had just recently passed away from Lung Cancer.

She told me her 60 year old son was battling several serious health issues.

At 88 years of age, it was obvious that her own health was not robust.

And yet he was there, at church among the worshipers.

I reached out to shake her hand and asked, “How are you doing?”

Her less-than-enthusiastic response: “Okay, I guess.”

After a pause she stated bluntly, “I don’t care about anything anymore.”

Caught by Surprise, I asked, “Nothing?”

She shifted a bit and then said, “There was a time when I liked boats and cars and lots of things.

I got excited about them.

They kept our family together, gave our lives genuine meaning,

But they don’t mean anything to me anymore.”

I began to understand.

Material things no longer grabbed her attention.

Desire for stuff no longer preoccupied her.

As her husband suffered for so long with cancer, lost his ability to relate to others, and as he increasingly depended on others to care for his every need, she had grown to know the wearing and weary­ing effects of caring for him.

That she had to sometimes also care for her ailing son at the same time,

Her outlooks and perspectives on life had drastically changed.

Things decreased in importance, and relationships—with God, with family, with church—became her priority.

This sister was learning more deeply the meaning of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and her quiet strength was truly heartwarming.

That at any age we should come to such a time in life where we are able to sit down long enough with ourselves and our Savior Jesus and seriously converse.

20/20 Hindsight … All Those Choices that Seemed Right to Us

Jesus warned his disciples that following him would not be easy or even look like a good idea at times.

He spoke about the costs of being his disciple, but he also promised that his way leads to life.

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

In other words, there will be many right and wrong choices that appear to be right (even religiously) and seem more attractive than the way of Jesus, but in the end they will bring grief and misery and destruction, poverty and despair.

We cannot just stop living life, making choices and making decisions simply because we fear for the future – we first line up all our infinite regrets in a row.

A spiritually stagnant Christian …

A steadfastly immovable, ice cold, immobile, spiritually stagnant Christian …

A steadfastly immovable, ice cold, immobile, spiritually stagnant Church …

Struggling mightily to rediscover their first choice, and how and why and where and when all salvation came by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must each be saved…  

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Hoy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank You for my great salvation in Christ and that in Him is found all wisdom and knowledge. Thank You for the many principles and precepts that are so helpful and encouraging in the book of Proverbs. I pray that throughout my life, I would Come to more wisely apply its wise concepts and trust in You in all things, and not seek to choose to do anything according to my own limited understanding. Give me discernment I pray, keep me from all forms of self-delusion and self-deception. May I never be foolish enough to journey along the paths that may seem right to me but ends in destruction. Thank You that You have promised to guide my steps and may my ear be ever open to Your direction. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Adeste Fidelis. Venite Adoremus. Dominum.

Gloria. In Excelsis Deo. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

One Possible Choice When Choosing Your Source for Help In Daily Living

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Daring to ask ourselves the Question: Take the Broad Road or Narrow Road, – Is Salvation Easy? Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14The Message

Being and Doing

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

The Word of God for the Children of God

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

The people who have gathered around him are so many, hundreds, perhaps by now, as the Sermon on the Mount has continued for an extended period of time, and as Rabbi Jesus continues to sit and speak and teach even into the thousands.

However many people have gathered around that Mount, the people remain very interested in what this man, Jesus is saying – it is radically different!

It is a new teaching they have not heard before from their Temple leaders.

This blessing is pronounced upon their lives and then another and another.

Each one seemingly more contrary and more counter – Temple traditions.

Each one is more thought provoking than the previous one, taking all these listeners on a journey from traditional thought into one of Kingdom thought.

Rabbi Jesus is teaching this gathering the obvious, that there is a “traditional way”, a more or less “relatively easy, acceptable way” of moving through life.

Now, Rabbi is introducing a new thought process he wants each of us to begin considering, to begin devoting some time to discussion and debate amongst themselves – but not just amongst themselves – but their families, neighbors.

Jesus lays out another clear “a-traditional” choice that each of us can make.

It is in no way a covenant command or “a do right it now or else” demand.

But a “new” teaching meant to encourage listeners to a new pattern of thought.

Question: What effects, if any, did this “new” teaching have upon the thoughts, actions upon those 1st century listeners, upon their choices of faith, hope, love?

The Gospels are not too specific in this regard other than to repeatedly mention that this Rabbi consistently had large followings and gatherings everywhere he walked, that hundreds and even thousands came when he had entered a village.

When he had left those villages, the people would “move heaven and earth” to follow him through storms and over waves an waters which threatened to end their very lives, wherever he went, they did, for more of his radically teachings.

Radically different, the thought there is a wide, easy road leads to destruction. And there is a decisively harder, narrower road of discipleship leading unto life.

It can be easy to assume that the broad road includes only people who do not believe in God, or maybe people of some other faith who do not “know” Jesus.

So, today, we might ­assume that Jesus is drawing a contrast between people in the church and those who, for some reason, are now completely outside of it.

But in light of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, there’s another way to think about this passage.

Jesus has been teaching his listeners that they need to move from outward religion and ritual into a true relationship with God, our need to go beyond merely “behaving” ourselves to ­actually walking in union with the Father.

So, today, as we read this passage again, as we refresh ourselves with truth, we seek a new anointing of wisdom greater than our own, we need to realize Rabbi Jesus is describing, for those who ARE listening, and DOING. not only a choice between choice or no choice, faith or no faith, hope no hope, love and no love.

There is also a choice to be made between empty, surface-level religion and genuine hardcore “walk the walk, talk the talk, living the life” discipleship.

The call of this passage is to move “beyond” rituals or cultural faith and to truly enter a full-life, full throated relationship with God, a connection marked by our maximum dependence and maximum an utter submission unto his will.

IS THE CHOICE OF SALVATION AN EASY CHOICE?

Matthew 7:13-14Easy-to-Read Version

The Way to Heaven and the Way to Hell

13 “You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. 14 But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it.

Here is the appeal to which Jesus has been moving through the whole sermon.

He gives those who had gathered that day, those who were listening, the call to choose, decide now about becoming a citizen of God’s kingdom and inheriting eternal life, or remaining a citizen of this fallen world and receiving damnation.

The way to life is on God’s terms alone; the way to destruction is on any terms a person wants to contrive, because every way but God’s leads unto the same fate.

Rabbi Jesus has been teaching the people to begin thinking of, about, God’s own standards throughout the sermon, standards that are holy and perfect and that are a-traditional, diametrically opposed to the self-righteous, self-sufficient, hypocritical standards of man-typified by those of the scribes and Pharisees.

He introduces to them the very real possibility of what God’s kingdom is like and having them compare, contrast, what its people are like-and are not like.

Now, here, Rabbi Jesus presents the choice of entering the kingdom or not.

Rabbi Jesus focuses upon the inevitable decision every person must make, the crossroads where he must decide on the gate he will enter, the way he will go.

Our lives are filled with “brutally” complicated internet driven decisions-what to wear, colors in vogue, what to eat, where to go, what to do, what to say, what not to say, what to buy, whom to marry, what career to follow, and on and on.

Many so called- and allegedly complicated decisions are actually “trivial and insignificant,” and some are beyond critically essential and life-changing.

The most critical of all is our decision about Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

That is the ultimate choice that determines our eternal destiny.

It is that decision that Rabbi Jesus introduces here and calls upon us to make.

In perfect harmony with His absolute sovereignty, God has always allowed men to choose Him or not, to “follow Him or walk away” and He has always pleaded with them to decide for Him or face the consequences of a choice against Him.

Since mankind has consistently turned their backs on Him from the Fall, God has bent every effort, spared no cost in wooing His creatures back to Himself.

He has provided and shown the way, leaving nothing to man but the choice. God made His choice by providing the way of redemption.

The choice is now and forever more present before the entirety of mankind.

While Israel was in the wilderness the Lord instructed Moses to tell the people,

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20).

After Israel came into the Promised Land, at the end of his long life, Joshua confronted the people again with a choice: of continuing to serve the Egyptian and the Canaanite gods they had adopted or of turning to the Lord who had delivered them from Egypt and given them the land promised to Abraham.

“Choose for yourselves this today whom you will serve ….” Joshua pleaded (Joshua 24:13–15).

On Mount Carmel the prophet Elijah asked the people of Israel,

“How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).

The Lord commanded Jeremiah to set the choice again before His people:

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death’ ” (Jeremiah 21:8).

In John 6:66–69, Jesus called for a choice from all of the people who gathered:

“As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.’ ”

That is the choice to compare and contrast call God has been making to men since they turned away from Him, and it is the supreme appeal of His Word.

In his poem The Ways, late British poet, hymnwriter John Oxenham wrote,   

To every man there openeth
    A Way, and Ways, and a Way,
    And the High Soul climbs the High Way,
    And the Low Soul gropes the Low,
    And in between, on the misty fiats,
    The rest drift to and fro.
    But to every man there openeth
    A High Way and a Low,
    And every man decideth
    The Way his soul shall go.

He also writes the hymn “In Christ There is No East or West.” (1908)

1 In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.

2 In Christ shall true hearts ev’rywhere
their high communion find.
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

3 Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate’er your race may be.
All children of the living God
are surely kin to me.

4 In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north.
All Christly souls are joined as one
throughout the whole wide earth.

The not so simple process of making the compare and contrast, world versus God choice we are asked by Rabbi Jesus to make is complicated by being simply somewhere in between the poem and the hymn, our souls and His eternal life.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 16The Message

16 1-2 Keep me safe, O God,
    I’ve run for dear life to you.
I say to God, “Be my Lord!”
    Without you, nothing makes sense.

3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
    what splendid friends they make!

4 Don’t just go shopping for a god.
    Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
    like brand-names.

5-6 My choice is you, God, first and only.
    And now I find I’m your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
    And then you made me your heir!

7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.

9-10 I’m happy from the inside out,
    and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
    that’s not my destination!

11 Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

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Asking Ourselves the Easy and Hard Questions About Walking Upon the Broad or Straight and Narrow Paths. Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14The Message

Being and Doing

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

When given the chance, I will argue to no end that much of life’s success boils down to one simple maxim: do the real thing and stop doing fake alternatives.

DOING THE “REAL THINGS” NOT THE “FAKE ALTERNATIVES”

Knowing the “differences” always begins by our daring to ask ourselves:

“How would I do this, if doing it well and good were all that mattered?”

“How would I do this, if convenience made all the difference in doing it well?”

“How would I do this, if I had all the time in the world to draft the best plan?”

“How would I do this, if I had a matter of a few hours to draft the best plan?”

“How would I do this, if this situation was life or death and I need a plan now?”

Do I still do the absolute best that I can or do I start looking for “shortcuts”?

Do I throw all caution into the tornadic whirlwinds of inconceivable change?

The Easy Way or The Hard Way?

The High Road or the Low Road?

The Paved Road over the Mountains or the Rained out, Rutted out Dirt Path?

Which will get me to the place I want to be? I need to be? – with the least risk?

How desirous, am I to going all out to get there, risking life, limb and liberty?

Which will get me to the one single place which Jehovah God requires me to be?

My asking each of us these poignant questions this soon in the New Year ….

Now, in answering them, you might object: “You don’t have enough time. You have two jobs, kids and responsibilities – Doing it well sounds too daunting.”

This is okay.

The point of this thought experiment is not to deny that obstacles to living into the Christian life under the all watchful eyes and presence of God do fully exist.

Rather it is an effort to open your eyes, in this moment, to begin thinking about how connected to God or distracted from God, to stop and consider the road you are on, the road you need to be on, the road which Jehovah God requires of you.

Rather, it’s to start with the best plan and make accommodations as needed.

The “Christian life” never remains an easy one.

The “Christian life” is never going to stop happening.

Sometimes, our “Christian life” is absolutely going to spiral out of our control.

Apathy and Complacency become a threat, what results is usually much closer to not the ideal than if you simply start with something that feels easy enough.

The Good News is this:

JEHOVAH GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL!

As we seek out our God, as we meditate daily (do we meditate daily?) about our immersing ourselves in our life journey with Jesus, the Way, I so fervently pray that we find that Rabbi Jesus offers to each of us lots of helpful guidelines for us.

Our Scripture for today from Matthew 7:13-14, comes at the end of his “Sermon on the Mount,” which is like a guidebook for everyday living in God’s kingdom.

Sometimes this style of living is called “the Christian counter-culture.”

That’s because the God-honoring lifestyle of following Jesus often goes against popular opinion – In other words, reality check – we take the road less traveled.

Taking the narrow road doesn’t mean we are narrow-minded or we just prefer to go against what “everyone else is doing.”

It means, simply, we do what we do because God calls us to do what is right.

Jesus indicates that many people want to follow an “anything goes” lifestyle.

But in that kind of world people tend to be selfish, uninhibited, putting their own desires ahead of everything else, and lots of other people will get hurt.

Eventually that kind of life leads to self-destruction, so, in the end, it hurts the selfish individual too.

How many lives, marriages, families, communities, and societies have been harmed, even destroyed because people have insisted on going their own way?

Rabbi Jesus calls us to choose which way we will walk

…..“the seldom taken high risk, straight and narrow gate … that leads to life.”

….”the easiest path with least amount of risk and the least level of resistance” which will inevitably lead us down the pathway to our inevitable destruction.

In John 10:7 he calls himself “the gate.”

He alone opens the way to life—now and for eternity!

“Outside” the Presence of Jehovah God ….

FIRST:

Ask yourself the easy, easier and the easiest questions.

Ask yourself the hard, harder and hardest questions.

THEN ULTIMATELY – IN THE PRESENCE OF JEHOVAH GOD ….

Ask yourself the “easy, easier and the easiest” questions.

Ask yourself the hard, harder and hardest” questions.

Now contemplate ….

Choose this day where your heart and soul genuinely rest ….

Self …. Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way.

Jehovah God …. Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way.

WALK ON THE PATH THAT SERVES YOU BEST!

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Most Merciful God, You are invisible to us, Your salvation is opaque to us, and Your grace is an enduring mystery. Who is it who can actually plumb the depths of Your wonders? Who has seen Your face and yet lived? Lord, let me comprehend You. Help me to understand the astonishing depths of Your love and grace. Forgive us, Lord, for wanting to go our own “easy, easier, an easiest” way. Have your way with us; mold us and remake us, guiding us to do what is right in all we do. Help me to continue to grow up into this infinite affection, that I may walk upon Your pathway to life, that I may serve you and your neighbors more, and become “more” pleasing to You. Amen.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

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The Divine Order of Things: Seeking the Lord Who Is our God: Walking, Living, Upon the Straight and the Narrow Path. Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Entering the Kingdom

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

To a newspaper inquiry asking what is wrong with the world, the writer and philosopher and Christian Apologist and Literary Critic, G. K. Chesterton sent back the shortest letter the editor had ever received:

Dear Sir, Regarding your article “What’s wrong with the world?”—I am. Yours truly, G. K. Chesterton

This demonstrates a humility that is lacking in most people.

Frankly, most of us would much rather note to the utmost detail someone else’s shortcomings rather than their own.

However, it is worth a minute or two of our attention to note the first step to transformation is for us to discover our own faults and face up to our sins.

Rather than denying our failures and getting too defensive about the foolish choices we’ve made, we must admit we have wandered from God’s pathway.

The road to God is narrow.

The way of heaven is straight. 

I have learned this from reading, studying and praying over and through the Word of God and from personal experience, as well as from divine revelations. 

It is literally a straight and narrow path.

It is straighter, narrower, and more difficult than most Christians realize.

Let’s look at what the Scriptures say about this topic.

Straight is Jehovah God’s Divine Order

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.'” (Luke 3:4-5)

“They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.” (2 Peter 2:15)

“Who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,” (Proverbs 2:13)

“I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:11).

“He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.” (Psalm 107:7).

“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6).

“Whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.” (Proverbs 15:21b).

“Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27; cf., Joshua 1:7).

The apostle Paul said the ways of the Lord are straight (Acts 13:10).

The Scripture says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Also see the following Scriptures in the NASB version: Deuteronomy 32:5; Psalm 5:8. Psalm 18:26; 125:5; Proverbs. 2:15; 3:5-6; 8:9; 17:20; 21:8; 28:6, 18; Isaiah 40:3, 59:8; Ecclesiastes 7:13, Jeremiah 31:9, Ezekiel 1:9,12; 10:22; 46:9; Philippians 2:15.

Narrow is Jehovah God’s Divine Order

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

He said this at the end of His sermon on the mount, which summarizes the content of that sermon recorded in Matthew 5-7.

In that sermon, He taught that something you say can put you in danger of the fire of hell (Matthew 5:22).

The sin of adultery can be committed in your heart without even having physical contact with the other person (Matthew 5:28).

He taught the need for radical obedience to God at all costs (Matthew 5:29-30).

Indeed, it is not only our outward actions that must be perfect, but also our thoughts, motives, and words (Matthew 5:48).

As much as possible for any person, self must be denied, the body kept under subjection, corruptions put to death; temptations must be resisted on a daily basis; duties must be carried out that are against our natural tendencies.

We must wrestle, with ourselves, against cultural and worldly ways which morally and ethically distract us from God, we must watch in everything, and walk with care and prudence, wary of that which would endanger our souls.

We must change and transform our attitudes and perceptions of how life works to pass through our many trials and tribulations (John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12-19).

Radically new attitudes, thoughts and perceptions and new ways of addressing how we approach living life in the presence of God come to the forefront of life.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

22 For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. 24 For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? (Romans 8:22-24 Amplified)

16 But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the [a] sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the [b]sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. 18 But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. 19 Now the practices of the  [c] sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), 20 [d]idolatry, [e]sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], 21 envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the [f]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. (Galatians 5:16-24 Amplified)

We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

We must learn and practice and weave God into our life, discipline ourselves to more fully rely upon God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

This is definitely not the way that the majority of the “self reliant” people go.

Most people go through the wide gate and take the broad road that leads to destruction.

But only a few seek, find, the small gate and the narrow road that leads to life.

All too many are going to their destruction, but only a few are going to heaven.

He also said, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” (Lk 13:24).

If many try and are unable to enter through this narrow door, then it must be very narrow.

It’s difficult to find and difficult to get through, so every effort must be made to do so.

It’s hard but not impossible by God’s grace if we strive.

We will not be able to enter if you are complacent or half-hearted, because there are many Sins that will keep you and me from Heaven.

The devil has set many traps for you to try and capture you into hell.

We must avoid all the side roads.

It’s easy to be lured away from the straight path by the ways of seductive materialism, pride, and sensual satisfaction.

To avoid these and more, we have to name sin for what it is and not allow its evil influence to sidetrack us.

A relatively recent hymn based on Psalm 23 offers divine encouragement:

THE LORD MY SHEPHERD RULES MY LIFE Christopher Idle Hymn Text Words © 1977 The Jubilate Group (admin. Hope Publishing Company) 

1 The Lord my shepherd rules my life
and gives me all I need;
he leads me by refreshing streams,
in pastures green I feed.
2 The Lord revives my failing strength,
he makes my joy complete;
and in right paths, for his name's sake,
he guides my faltering feet.

How Jehovah God Brings it All Together For Our Sakes

Alive, we are constantly and continuously staring at an upcoming crossroads.

Alive, we are constantly and continuously confronted by “forks” in our paths.

The Scriptures clearly teach that in everything the straight way is God’s way.

Indeed, the way to heaven is both straight and narrow. 

In fact, it is more so than even either you and I actually think it is.

But even one second, one minute, hour in heaven will make it all worthwhile.

Therefore, we must study and pray and strive to enter the Kingdom of God on the way of righteousness, holiness, and truth.

It’s long past the divinely allowable time we cease from standing in the broad and crooked path of sinners, and going along with the crowd.

It’s high time we consecrate ourselves to our Savior Jesus, and follow Him with pure and simple devotion (2 Corinthians 11:3). 

Continuously Seek Him earnestly (Psalm 63:1), stay close to Him (Psalm 63:8).

Let neither our Hearts nor our Souls be Troubled this day nor any other day;

Cling to God! All you His people, let’s Pray for the Ancient Paths once again.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray …. (Psalm 40 the Message)

40 1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God.
    At last he looked; finally he listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch,
    pulled me from deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock
    to make sure I wouldn’t slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song,
    a praise-song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this:
    they enter the mystery,
    abandoning themselves to God.

4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
    turn your backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
    ignore what the world worships;
The world’s a huge stockpile
    of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one
    compares to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
    and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words
    account for you.

6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
    that’s not what you’re after.
Being religious, acting pious—
    that’s not what you’re asking for.
You’ve opened my ears
    so I can listen.

7-8 So I answered, “I’m coming.
    I read in your letter what you wrote about me,
And I’m coming to the party
    you’re throwing for me.”
That’s when God’s Word entered my life,
    became part of my very being.

9-10 I’ve preached you to the whole congregation,
    I’ve kept back nothing, God—you know that.
I didn’t keep the news of your ways
    a secret, didn’t keep it to myself.
I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.
    I didn’t hold back pieces of love and truth
For myself alone. I told it all,
    let the congregation know the whole story.

11-12 Now God, don’t hold out on me,
    don’t hold back your passion.
Your love and truth
    are all that keeps me together.
When troubles ganged up on me,
    a mob of sins past counting,
I was so swamped by guilt
    I couldn’t see my way clear.
More guilt in my heart than hair on my head,
    so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.

13-15 Soften up, God, and intervene;
    hurry and get me some help,
So those who are trying to kidnap my soul
    will be embarrassed and lose face,
So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable
    will be heckled and disgraced,
So those who pray for my ruin
    will be booed and jeered without mercy.

16-17 But all who are hunting for you—
    oh, let them sing and be happy.
Let those who know what you’re all about
    tell the world you’re great and not quitting.
And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing:
    make something of me.
You can do it; you’ve got what it takes—
    but God, don’t put it off.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

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Being A Sermon in Shoes: Living Out Our Lives Walking, Wearing the Sandals of our Rabbi Jesus: Walking by Faith Upon His Straight, and Narrow Path. Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14New King James Version

The Narrow Way

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [a]Because narrow is the gate and [b]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Every child of God walks by “faith,” each and every step that we take reveals to God’s neighborhood, to all God’s neighbors, the visible measure of our “faith.”

Our Christianity is our most visible part and we must have the willingness to hear, a doubtless heart to believe, godly sorrow to repent, be unashamed to confess, the obedience to be baptized, the moral strength to endure till the end.

When we are willing to take up our cross and follow after Christ, we are taking the right steps on the straight and narrow path that leads to life everlasting.

At one time or another, I can practically guarantee that every Christian has heard another person tell them – (truth be told – this was my favorite line.)

“I do not need God, I do not need Jesus, I do not need church, I don’t really need anyone’s religion; I just try to be that good person and live by the Golden Rule.”

It’s not uncommon to hear people talk like this, usually they are trying to say “not interested” “go away” minimize God’s demand for how we should “live.”

As long as our visible “lifestyle” communicates to everyone around us, that we innately treat others as we want to be treated, God should accept us—right?

And usually this is enough to dissuade us from furthering the conversation.

We may never even start that conversation because we have assured ourselves beforehand that that is exactly the “automatic” response we will each receive.

The Question then becomes, If our Rabbi Jesus were to turn around in the exact moment we had that thought, looked us straight and narrowly into our eyes,

What would those soul piercing eyes immediately, not so subtly communicate?

Do you know, Oh Christian, you’re a sermon in shoes?
Do you know, Oh Christian, you’re a sermon in shoes?
Jesus calls upon you, to spread the gospel news,
(1) So walk it, and talk it, a sermon in shoes.
(2) Live it, and give it, a sermon in shoes.
(3) Teach it, and preach it, a sermon in shoes.
(4) Know it, and show it, a sermon in shoes.
(Ruth Harms Calkin)

Rabbi Jesus most likely wore very simple sandals ….

So, without Rabbi Jesus ever using any words, can we hear his eyes tell us ….

“Do you know, Oh Christian, I am a sermon in very simple sandals ….?”

“Do you know, Oh Christian, I am a sermon in very simple sandals ….?”

“I am calling upon you, to spread the gospel news ….“

“(1) So I walk it, and talk it, a sermon in very simple sandals ….”

“(2) So I live it an give it, a sermon in very simple sandals ….”

“(3) So I teach it, and preach it, a sermon in very simple sandals ….”

“(4) Because I know it, therefore I show it, a sermon in very simple sandals ….”

Matthew 7:13-14 The Message

Being and Doing

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

Have we ever stopped to consider how demanding Jesus’ words truly are?

How challenging is it to meet the needs of others with the same creativity, the same energy, the spontaneity, the same devotion that we want from others?

No wonder the man Rabbi Jesus describes this way of life as narrow and small.

The man Rabbi Jesus poignantly points out only a few are walking on this road.

When we are walking down any paved or gravel or well trod path through the middle of a forest – we will probably see signs everywhere along the way which sternly tell us to “stay on the path, protect our forests and protect our wildlife.”

We definitely want to see the forest through the trees so we walk the pathway which is before us, prepared by somebody before us that we might enjoy it all.

We want to keep the rest of the forest pristine for those who are coming after us, that they too may enjoy the enormous beauty God has placed before them.

We do not want to be the one person who ruins someone else’s experience.

We make every effort we can to stay on the pathway someone else prepared.

As tempting as it is to wander through forest glades, through flowing streams.

Christianity is like that …. staying on the moral and ethical path Jesus gave us by his giving up quite literally everything of “value” to him (Philippians 2:5-11).

Romans 5:6-8The Message

6-8 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Despite all of the opposition he would receive, despite all the plots against his life, all the violence, humiliations he had to endure from both friend and foe, to walking out the straight and narrow pathway leading to a place called Golgotha.

To Communicate, for our “attentive(?)” listening ears the Immortal Words …

“Father, forgive them – for they know not what they do ….” Luke 23:33-35

“It is Finished….” John 19:28-30

After His resurrection … to receive the motivation of all motivations ….

John 21:15-17Amplified Bible

The Love Motivation

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [a]love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] [b]love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Are you and I willing to receive, to immerse ourselves into such a motivation, prepared to love, say, your overbearing employer with kindness and courtesy?

Are you and I willing to sacrificially meet the needs of your spouse, children, and neighbors even if your needs aren’t the ones which not about to be met?

Will you and I care for the least lovely persons around us without expecting anything in return?

Psalm 23:4-6Amplified Bible

4 
Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
5 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You have anointed and refreshed my head with [b]oil;
My cup overflows.
6 
Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

How about those who are truly difficult to love – like your own “enemies?”

Preparing a table before them ….

with the prospect of “anointing and refreshing their heads with oil ….

extending the invitation to God’s “goodness and mercy and unfailing love” which will absolutely follow them for all of the remaining days of their lives ….”

to dwell forever, throughout all their remaining days, in the house and in the presence of the Lord – who could, on confession, be their everlasting salvation.

When we are being transformed by the enormity of the love of Jesus, who is our Savior, we can definitely, but with difficulty, walk on this narrowed way of life.

Rabbi Jesus alone lived and loved this way….

Rabbi Jesus alone live and loved and died for us this way ….

Jesus walked the narrow way out his sealed tomb,

Peter, John and Mary Magdalene walked the narrow way down and through the narrow opening of the tomb – witnessed and testified to its eternal emptiness.

Jesus is Resurrected, Jesus is ALIVE!

He calls us to follow, the narrow path, serving not in our own strength but in his.

How will his love empower you to walk, love others with his kindness today?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to us that we may come to know Your greater and ever more wiser and eternal ways, that through His teachings we may experience the only meaningful pathway to everlasting life, that in Christ Jesus, my Savior, I have been saved by grace and have an eternal inheritance kept for me in heaven. I pray that I may be disciplined enough to die daily to all that is of self and live every day of my life for Christ. Help me to choose to enter the narrow gate of disciplined, dedicated discipleship, which leads to an abundant life here on earth.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

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Our Crossroads and God’s Roadmap. Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 7:13-14

Jeremiah 6:16Amplified Bible

16 
Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is; then walk in it,
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

Matthew 7:13-14Amplified Bible

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.

The Word of God for the Children of God. Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Just because a certain path seems right does not mean it’s the right one to take.

But that does not mean it is wrong either.

We must, therefore, ask and trust God to show us which way to go.

He knows the end from the beginning.

God will lead us in the right way.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.

What a wonderfully assuring thing it is to believe that even when we are faced, confronted by the biggest and most difficult decisions in life, the Word of God for the Children of God makes known to us the sure paths that will bring life.

WHAT ARE CROSSROADS?

Literally, a crossroad is a road that crosses another.

It is the place where two or more roads intersect.

Figuratively, to be “at a crossroad” is to be at a stage in one’s life when it is necessary to choose a path that will affect one’s life in truly profound ways.

A crossroad is a place of decision.

It is a place of doubts and questions.

A crossroad is a place where we wrestle with conflicting voices.

It is a transit point.

A crossroad is a gate or access point.

It is a place of separation and goodbye.

A crossroads is the end of a chapter and the beginning of another one.

A crossroad is a critical moment.

It can be a place of crisis, where the pains of yesterday connects us to the hope of the coming tomorrow.

A crossroad is a place of opportunity, where the road ahead offers promises.

A crossroad is a point in your life where you have several options that you need to weigh.

Each option on each crossroad will lead you to a different destination or goal.

Each path on each crossroad will to a different destination.

Crossroads are unavoidable.

Crossroads are inevitable.

Every day, we make significant decision that will affects our lives positively or negatively.

The choice to continue the same straight path is no longer possible.

A decision has to be made.

The straight road has now split into two or more.

Which decision will you make?

Looking left, right, back from where you came, and looking straight ahead.

Where do you turn?

Do you turn back to where you came, choose a path to follow, or do you stand around in the middle of the road and continuously scratch at your bald spot?

Which road is the right one?

And carefully, prayerfully weigh the consequence of choosing a decisive path?

Today, you may be standing at a crossroad.

Your crossroads could be one to decide your ministry or career path.

It could be the start or end of a relationship.

Your crossroad could be a choice of making a change right now or if you wait too long it might just become “too late” – whatever “too late” means to God.

It could be the choice of what course to study for what career field in college.

Do you make a choice of asking mom and dad – about entering into the military, or do you just go ahead on your own and enlist, ask for mom and dad’s support.

Your crossroad could be whether to start a business or hold on to your job.

It might be starting a relationship with that “special, lifelong someone,” and doing the career thing or to get married and starting a family of your very own.

Perhaps you are in a crossroad where you are faced with the decision to stay where you are or move on to another place – to another job or career field.

Perhaps it might even be a decision to finally put in your retirement papers.

Whatever pathway you decide to take, it will definitely affect the course of your life and destiny for an indeterminate period of time.

Are we ready for that “indeterminate period of time” right this exact moment?

When standing at the crossroads, the one thing we really need is guidance.

God definitely has set aside a path for us which leads to life! (Psalm 16:11)

He promises to guide, instructs, direct us when we are at the crossroads of life.

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21.

God will always give you and me a direction to take in life.

But you and I still need to sharpen our hearing ability.

Matthew 7:13-14Amplified Bible

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.

The parable of the two gates pictures the people of Earth walking on two roads.

One road is broad, and many walk that way.

The other road is narrow, and few find the gate to it.

These two roads don’t lead to the same place (Matthew 7:13-14).

We are fond of dividing the world into two.

We speak of the rich and the poor, but there are many people who are neither rich nor poor.

We speak of the bosses and the workers, but many people are neither, and some are both.

We speak of the educated and uneducated, but some people have education yet lack wisdom, whilst some uneducated people are very wise.

This just shows that dividing the world in two, or even three, is usually presumptuous, simplistic, inaccurate, and perhaps even alienating.

But does this apply to all cases?

In particular, is the world divided into the saved and the unsaved —those in God’s way and those following Satan?

Many folks would call that a presumptuous, simplistic, inaccurate, and alienating view of the world.

Only Two Ways

Rabbi Jesus, however, here divides humanity in just that manner: people are travelling either the broad road to destruction or the narrow road to life —just two groups and no exceptions (Matthew 7:13-14).

Later in that chapter, he again divides people into two groups: the wise who hear and do his words (Matthew 7:24), and the foolish who do not hear and do his words (Matthew 7:26).

On a later occasion, Jesus spoke of how he will, at the last judgment, separate the people of all nations into two “as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32-33).

The “sheep” at his right hand will inherit the kingdom prepared for them (Matthew 25:34). 

The “goats” at his left hand will be sent into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). 

When these two groups have gone their way, nobody else shall remain (Matthew 25:46).

So, when Jesus pictures the two gates, or two builders, or the sheep separated from the goats, he has included all human beings.

Each of us is on one of those pathways.

Or to point the finger, you, I, are in one of those groups. 

Which one?

The Way of the Many

Not only has Jesus divided the world in two, but appallingly, he has numbered those who are on the road to destruction as “many” and those on the road to life as only a “few” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Why are there “many” going in at the wrong gate, walking on the wrong road?

Jesus gives no reason for the number.

He does not even indicate that the number cannot be changed.

He leaves it open that the majority could walk the way to life, and only a few walk the way to destruction, or for that matter everyone could walk the way to life leaving deserted the road which leads to inevitable destruction.

When Jesus says, “enter by the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13), presumably he means anyone who listens to him say that, can make the choice do exactly that.

Why would Rabbi Jesus tell everybody to enter by the narrow gate, and walk the narrow way, if most of them cannot do that?

You might say, “Jesus does give the reason why many go down the broad way.

The word translated narrow means difficult.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/7/13-14/t_conc_936014

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2346/kjv/tr/0-1/

It’s the nature of human beings to choose what’s easy, not what’s hard.”

Well, I am not so sure.

People do all kinds of things that are difficult because they think those things are right, they enjoy the challenge, they deem the reward well worth the effort.

Surely the Christian life is a worthy challenge, and brings a wonderful reward, such that you would expect many more people to choose it than actually do.

Choosing Destiny

Anyway, there is nothing compelling people to follow the broad way leading to destruction, even though most people do.

Destiny doesn’t force people to follow one of the two roads.

They choose the gate they enter; they choose the road they walk; hence they choose their destiny.

There is nothing preventing people from following the right way leading to life, even though few do.

The Way of the Few

Although Jesus speaks of two roads, only one of them is of his making.

Jesus never desired that there be a road to destruction, and he never caused anyone to follow it.

The broad road represents a way of living designed by Satan.

Jesus provides an alternative way, represented by the narrow road.

When Jesus says, “enter by the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13), he refers to the gospel way of living.

In early times, Christianity was actually called “the Way” (Acts 19:9,23).

In fact, Jesus called himself the way: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6).

Seeking the Way

When Jesus mentioned the narrow gate and the difficult path beyond it, he said, “And few there be who find it” (Matthew 7:14). 

There are two ways you can find something.

One is to stumble upon it by some fortunate circumstance; the other is to seek it by making an intelligent and systematic search.

Rabbi Jesus tells us which way to find the gate to the true way: 

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NASB).

Total Commitment

We can gather from this that walking the narrow way means making an absolute and total commitment to Jesus Christ.

It means loving him, obeying him, depending on him, worshipping him, giving all of us to him, being his utterly committed and utterly devoted disciples.

And where do we start?

The Holy Spirit tells us clearly what to do to begin this journey, as follows…

DIVINE GUIDANCE and DIRECTION!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2.

When God is your Shepherd, you have access to all things that you need.

Divine guidance is God having the final say in running the affairs of your life.

When He’s leading, you are never alone.

God has a definite blueprint for your life and a road map to get you there.

WHAT TO DO WHEN AT LIFE’S CROSSROADS?

1. Know God.

Do you know Him?

Most people know about God, but they don’t really know Him.

To know God is to spend time with Him.

It is a relationship!

To know God is to obey Him.

To know God is to fear Him.

To know God is to trust Him unconditionally.

You must have a continuous daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

2. Be known by God.

Are you a child of God? (John 1:12-13)

Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? (Romans 10:9-13)

You must be born again. (John 3:1-15)

3. Pray the prayer of enquiry.

Prayer of enquiry is prayer for insight, guidance and direction.

It is asking God what to do about a particular situation.

Prayer of enquiry is to know God’s will concerning an issue.

It is a prayer to ask God why? Which? How? and When but NOT Why?

Ask him to give you ears to hear and eyes to see the ways He is speaking to you.

Consider fasting occasionally to help you focus more on God.

4. You must have faith.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7.

It is not for those who will walk by sight or logic.

Have unconditional faith in God’s promises to guide you.

5. Cultivate the presence of God through praise and worship.

Praise invites God into your situation immediately.

And where God is, there is liberty and fullness of joy. (2 Corinthians 3:15-18)

He will guide you when you give Him high praise and worship.

6. Dig deeper in the Bible.

The Bible has been rightly defined as, “Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth.”

The Bible is our spiritual GPS, always available to tell us which way leads to where we want to go and how to turn around if we get on the wrong path.

7. Be humble. Psalm 25:9.

He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.

God loves humble people

8. Cultivate quietness.

Set aside a consistent time every day to meet with God.

Try starting out with a half-hour quiet time, and after you’ve developed greater intimacy with Him, increase that time to an hour.

It usually takes about five to ten minutes during the start of your quiet time to clear your mind enough to focus fully on God, so do not rush your quiet time.

9. Practice unconditional love.

Live without unforgiveness, malice, bitterness and anger.

10. Listen.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27.

God can speak through the following ways:

His Word. Psalm 107:20.

Audible voice. Genesis 12:1;

Dreams. Judges 7:13.

Visions. Genesis 46:2; and Prophets. Ezra 9:11.

Let your heart be still. Psalm 46:10

Block out the distraction.

Tune in to heaven’s radio.

11. Seek wise counsel

To some people, crossroads are places of confusion.

Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and seek wise counsel from family, trusted friends, a pastor or counsellor.

12. Be patient; Don’t be in a hurry.

No matter how long it takes, be confident that God has heard your prayers and will respond. Let your mind be at rest. Don’t try to rush through the process.

“Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4.

There is comfort in knowing God is guiding, leading and instructing us, especially when we are standing on crossroads.

But not many people are willing to ask for direction.

Come to God today!

Don’t live your life on logic, human reasoning, and trials.

It will only lead you to broken heart, failures and disappointments.

God has a better plan.

Don’t take steps on your own or make important decisions without asking Him.

Always strive to know the will of God concerning everything you are doing.

SO, WHAT’S OUR DECISION?

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

There is no neutral ground.

The Lord Jesus, who on the Cross at Calvary made the greatest sacrifice for us at the crossroad of Golgotha, said there is a broad road that leads to destruction and a narrow road that leads to eternal life.

What road have you chosen?

If you realized you are on the wrong road, why not repent and get on the right road today?

If you are willing to repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ, then pray this prayer right now:

LORD Jesus, I come to You right now. I know I am a sinner, please forgive me my sins. With my mouth, I declare that Jesus, from today, I accept You as the LORD of my life. Change my heart from a disobedient heart to a heart that will obey You. With my new heart, I believe that it is because of me that You came into this world; You died for my sins, take away my problems, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, write my name in the Book of Life, and make me brand new in Jesus mighty name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. O Lord, have Mercy for placing my confidence in human reasoning, in Jesus name.

2. By Your Mercy, O Lord, save me from every wrong decision I have made, in Jesus name.

3. O Lord, open up my spiritual understanding, in Jesus name.

4. O God, teach me deep and secret things, in Jesus name.

5. O Lord, thank You for the revelation power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

6. O God, remove from me every form of distractions that has blocked my spiritual eyes and ears, in Jesus name..

7. My Father, give me the spirit of revelation and wisdom in the knowledge of You, in Jesus’ name.

8. Open my spiritual eyes, O Lord, to see visions concerning my life, in Jesus name.

9. I reject the manipulation of the spirit of confusion, in Jesus name.

10. My Father, guide and direct me in knowing Your mind, in Jesus name.

11. If . . . (mention it) is not Your will for me, O Lord, re-direct my steps, in Jesus name.

12. Thank God for answering your prayers.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …..

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