So much to talk about...choices, choices, choices!

I have so much I want to write about it! Don't worry though, I'll try and limit myself. I don't want to bore you with a novel, but sheesh, there's so much to write about!

So I've been reading a lot the past 2 days (because I haven't felt like doing anything else). These are the 3 things I've read: my Bible, "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King," and "Sincerely, Jesus". Man, God has given me some good stuff to read, let me tell you. "Sincerely, Jesus" is by Edward Goble (I got it free on my Nook!) and it is about the letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches listed in the book of Revelation. Although the letters were addressed to these seven groups, Goble explains how Jesus is talking to us, too. It's a short read, filled with historical information and tons of Jesus' promises for us that relates to our daily lives. I'm so glad I found it and look forward to reading it again. "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" is by Sheri Rose Shepherd and is a devotional book that is in the form of letters from God. It is beautifully written for any age. So many times I finish reading a chapter/devotion in tears. Lastly, today's reading for the year long reading plan was chapters 7-8 in the book of Matthew. Out of these 3 books, God has filled my head with so much to write about! I decided to write about the reoccuring theme of the 3 books...choosing the right path.

I don't know about you, but I'm not real good at making decisions. I don't know if it's because I doubt my discernment or I just don't like making decisions. I've realized though lately that as long as I'm focusing on God, His will for me, and obeying Him; I can't go wrong. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes through the father except me" (John 14:6).

Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." So you may be wondering, "What's all this gate talk about? I haven't went through a gate."   Well, if we look at John 14:6 again, we know that Jesus is life, therefore, to go through the "narrow gate", all we have to do is believe and follow him. The wide gate is what the rest of the world goes through. If you want life, you want Jesus.  Simple as that. But you may be thinking, well I'm living and I don't need Jesus. The truth is, when we don't have Jesus we don't experience what true life is and we definitely don't get to experience eternal life.  Basically, if you want destruction (which I don't see why), go through the wide gate. Do what everyone else is doing. I know it may be the easy thing to do, but is it really worth it? If you want life (sounds so much better than destruction), go through the narrow gate - Jesus.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." When we are walking on the narrow way, following Jesus, we are able to figure out what God's will is for us. Decision making becomes less complicated. It will still be hard at times, since we are competing with the world and our fleshly desires so we must choose Jesus' path everyday. Like I've talked about before, it becomes easier when we use our faith in the reward God has promised us. Goble says in "Sincerely, Jesus", "Sometimes the footing is tricky because there is an enemy lurking in the shadows who will do anything to get you off the path." Satan wants us to do the things that everyone else is doing, so he is going to work his butt off to tempt us, but keep in mind when we follow Jesus' path, we recieve life. All Satan can offer us is destruction, but Jesus offers us eternal life. That should be a pretty easy decision right there...who are you going to choose? Do you want destruction or life?

Let Jesus be your way...your truth...and your life. When our faith is in Him, choosing which path to take becomes simple.  Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil."  Goble says, "When we repent and place Jesus in the central place of honor and love in our heart, He will be our strength and energy for life. (p. 51)" When we start to slip off the narrow path (and it will happen, but don't freak out!), all we have to do is  refocus our eyes on the "way" (Jesus). Choose the narrow gate. Choose the narrow path. Choose life. Choose Jesus. It's worth it.

 

Today is the day that we choose a new bible verse to memorize, mine is Romans 12:2. Let me know what verse you are memorizing by leaving me a comment!

Also, are you joining the read-your-bible-in-a-year plan? Please let me know if you are! Today is Matthew, chapters 7 & 8.

Success: it's what we all want, right?

Whew! I don't know about you, but this last week was crazy and long! We came back home from my monthly doctor's appointment, errands, trip to the ER, DIY project fever (thanks to Pinterest), sister's birthday party and much more, so in other words, I'm glad it's a new week! And what a better way to start the week off by making it to church, finally! There are many mornings when I just can't get out of bed because I'm hurting so much. In that situation, I watch church on the internet (gotta love technology!), but yesterday was different! I was up early and not as stiff as usual. I'm glad that churches now have online podcasts, but it's definitely not the same as being in church with a body of believers. Anyway, the sermon was so good that this post is going to be based around it. The sermon series the church is in right now, is titled "The Cardinal Rules of Success". Everyone wants success, right? I mean, I think it's part of being a human being to want success. In everything I do, I try to aim for success. Is there anything wrong with that? Welllll.....I think it depends on our definition of success. The world (and dictionary) tells us that success is defined by "the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence." The media tells us that success is owning 5 different sports cars, owning a Fortune 500 business (or two), having your own reality tv show, earning a 4.0 GPA and so much more. Hmmm....according to the media, I am not successful at all! So I'm thinking something is wrong with this picture. Are all the things I listed, true proof of success? Well, Pastor Craig Reynolds doesn't think so. He said, "Real success is not about us, it's about Him. Real success is about being in His presence." I'm not bashing sports cars or owning a Fortune 500 business or reality tv shows, but I think it's important to think about the motive behind those three things. If the motive is to show off and make people jealous of you, I don't think that is success. Real success is when we glorify God. Whether it be praying with someone or moving across the world as a missionary, we can glorify God through the little and big things in our lives. When we are in God's presence, we are blessed. When we focus on Him and not on ourselves, we are blessed with attributes like gentleness, kindness, love, patience, wisdom, strength, comfort and the list goes on. I don't know of any sports cars or reality shows that gives all of that. If you do, let me know, but good luck finding it! Pastor Craig also said, "It's about who He is and His will....if we focus on ourselves, we won't be able to find His purpose." So not only do you get all of those attributes when you focus on God, but you also find the purpose of your life! I don't know what could be more successful than that! So think about how you can be successful this week. Don't worry about attempting to get your own reality tv show or 5 sports cars...you can be much more successful...and it doesn't even involve money! Sign me up! :) Romans 12:2- "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." Be blessed today! Oh, if you started back to school today (whether student or as staff), I hope you have a great & successful school year (it's a great mission field)! I would attach the podcast for the sermon yesterday, but it's not up yet. If you would like, you could look occasionally on http://www.second.org/North.aspx. Also, there was a lot more to this sermon, but I'll write more about that later :)