Light for my path

I’m thankful to get the chance to share my favorite scripture with you this week.  Psalm 119:105 is a scripture I have clung to over the past four years. 

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.

Serving God is not easy.  Working and serving in the church has it’s struggles.  Following God’s call to, go where He leads does not ensure a smooth journey.  I have been challenged to rely on God’s word like never before. 

When I’ve wondered where God was I’m reminded, in his word, that he is near.  When the battle gets hard, I read that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers in the dark realm.

If we mess up and spend too much time satisfying our own selfish desires, we’re reassured that nothing can separate us from his love.  God’s word is filled with everything we need to direct us as we journey through life. It is shining for us, giving us just enough light to take the next step.

Open Bibles shed Light

By your words I can see where I’m going;
    they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
    from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
    put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
    teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
    but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
    but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
    what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
    I always have and always will.  Psalm 119:105-112 (Message)

The Message translation for these verses in Psalm 119 is beautiful. While I love my trusty NIV, this fresh view is stunning. I see it is God’s Word that is the Light. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word was with God. (John 1:1) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) This Word was/is Jesus. And Jesus is the light of the world. 

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.  -Life Application Study Bible

To maneuver our way through even one day in this world we need light. Some days we need a very bright light to shut out all the darkness surrounding us. The darkness is blared on the TV screen with words which scroll across the bottom, always there to remind us what is happening in society.

While we are attempting to escape by watching some mellow programming, the darkness pursues. And we cannot escape. But, we can walk toward the light. We can continue to follow the lighted path and avoid the dark recesses. Get in the Word and see if a light doesn't come on.

Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119:105-112

Luke 13:22-30

Take the high road
Dance to the beat of a different drummer
Don’t follow the crowd
What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

These are the types of phrases we often used with our children as they were growing up. We all strive to help our young people see that there are bad influences and evil all around us that we want them to stay clear of. We have lots of good advice, but it is much easier said than done in this world. Apparently the same was true when Jesus walked this earth.

His words were, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, Sir, open the door for us……. But he will reply, I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!” Jesus spoke of many coming from the east, west, north and south who will take their place at the feast in the kingdom of God. Then he reminded us that “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

This reminds me of the Beatitudes in Matthew where it says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” and “Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.” I hope I am following God's plan for me, choosing the right path, or door, or narrow passage way that leads to the kingdom we all dream of. As adults, we are good at guiding young people in our lives toward what we see as the righteous way. Are we as adults, choosing the right path when we come upon those forks in the road? When we look into the mirror, do we see the reflection of one who models what is good and true in God’s eyes? I hope and pray God sees me as worthy when judgment day comes, and that I will see all of you at God’s blessed feast!

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Are you on the right road? - Ephesians 4:1-16

I am so thankful for the technology available today which allows me to go somewhere I have never been without fear of losing my way.  A road map or better yet, an atlas provides security when I doubt which way to turn next.  You probably know what I am going to mention now, GPS (Global Positioning System).  Wow, did you ever in your wildest imagination dream that you would be able to take your phone with you on a trip, and then turn on a navigation system that will not only tell you in words which way to turn, it will direct you around detours, dangerous weather and congested roadways.

I am beginning to think of my Bible as my GPS (God's Planned Salvation).  The more familiar I become with God's plan, the smoother my life is - not easier - there are still detours and inclement weather - but it is more recognizable when I am heading down a dangerous path.  My senses are heightened to the danger lurking in the distance.

There are many reasons to sit down and open up the Bible and dig in like a ravenous sojourner.  Traveling this road we call life can be dangerous and the wise traveler will consult a map or guide book prior to venturing into the unknown.  "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." (Ephesians 4:15)

Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 text here.

Peter Meets Jesus - John 1:35-42

One day my college teacher called me to attend a meeting in his office. Five other students and I listened as he explained his plan for exploring a new curriculum of study. When he finished, he told each of us why he hoped we would be his first students. I became excited seeing the new program as a way onto a more fitting career path. This adventure held many unanswered questions and the possibilities of problems along the way, but I chose to take the offer. I had no idea how that meeting would change my life!

In today’s text, Andrew and two disciples see Jesus “passing by”. Andrew goes right away to tell his brother about finding the Messiah, the Christ. He then brings Simon to meet Jesus.

An introduction isn’t needed; Jesus looks at Simon and knows who he is. Jesus gives Simon a new name. He is now to be known as, “Peter.” Simon Peter has no idea how his life will change in the days ahead.

I am reminded that Jesus knows who I am! I must be prepared to follow what I sense God is telling me. It may mean an interruption and change in my life along with many challenges to overcome. God won’t just swoop in and magically make my life different. I have work to do. The change will come over time as I adjust my life and way of thinking to match His.

Jesus knows you well! Is He "passing by" in your life? Have you truly believed in Him, trusted Him, and allowed Him to change your life?

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In His Steps - 1 Peter 2:13 - 3:7

As a child, I remember using tracing paper over a pattern or picture. Sometimes I would miss an important part or veer off a line making the copy incomplete. When I carefully followed every line, I was rewarded with a perfect reproduction of the original.

In today’s text, Peter tells me I am to trace my life along the same path as Jesus' life.

Jesus never did anything wrong. I clearly see His suffering on the cross and all the incidents surrounding His trials and death. I hear the pain, undeserved condemnation, and insults; yet He never lied, retaliated when hurt and bullied, nor did He threaten others. Jesus never sinned.

Jesus is the perfect person to show me how to respond to the hurts, problems and unjust treatment in my life. I am to "walk in His steps". I can't literally walk in His steps, but I can be guided by his example.

“For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” (v 19) I know that my path in life will not be straight, nor will it be without pain; but I am called to go forward with my eyes and heart focused on Christ. As He is an example to me, God wants me to be an example to others.

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