Tag Archives: choosing the right path

Happy is the one who follows the right path

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Happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers. Psalm 1:1

 

Being on the right path matters. Consistently choosing the right path requires a compass. What compass are you using these days? Not just for big decisions, but for the ones that define your character in daily choices?

 

I heard so many say at the end of the political campaign season that they were tired of all the negative ads, the bitterness and mockery. And yet, after the election there are many who continue to want to mock the victors and those who lost.

 

Do you ever recall a time when Jesus made fun of or ridiculed people? Oh yes, he called out the pretentious religious leaders who weren’t following God, but he didn’t mock them. Neither should we mock others. There’s nothing good to be gained by our sarcastic and biting wit.  There might be a wicked sense of self-righteous satisfaction in giving someone a piece of our mind. But be warned, we all only have so many pieces left! Consider whether you want to give someone a piece of your mind or have peace of mind and be happy.

 

We each will come across many other path choices today:

  • The path of being focused on our own schedule or the one that pays attention to the needs of those around us
  • The path of putting others down or the path of lifting them up
  • The path of letting little things frustrate us or the path of finding peace in God
  • The path of anxiety or the path of faith
  • The path of making a living or the path of making a worthwhile life

 

Let Jesus be your compass in choosing the right path today.

 

 

Thy Word is a Light – for today

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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  Psalm 119:105

 

I remember hiking with Marcia in the Franklin Mountains outside of El Paso. Even with the light of the sun we sometimes lost track of the trail ahead of us. What was a well-worn path turned into what appeared to be dozens of paths. Which one should we take? They all headed in the same general direction, but we couldn’t easily determine which was the safest and most trustworthy.

 

Life is sometimes like that. Maybe you are in a place where several alternative paths appear before you and all looking like they will take you where you want to go. Or perhaps you are in a place where you are paralyzed by not seeing the path before you. You long for a ‘crystal ball’ that will reveal your future.

 

The psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It is our guide for living well and keeping from peril.  Sometimes we don’t realize how much we need guidance until we’ve gone too far down a dark path we shouldn’t have traveled. There are times when the road ahead is foggy. Our vision is clouded by our present circumstances or emotional being. God’s Word is designed for exactly such a purpose.

 

This isn’t just the path to finding Jesus once, but to finding Him every single day as we encounter others around us. It shows us the right way to live today. In darkness, we are tempted to say something untrue or unkind, a word to put someone down, or something sarcastic to illuminate our wit. In light we choose words to build each other up, because that is the path we are meant to walk. In darkness, we tuck away our savings to buy the things that bring us temporary pleasure. In light we see others in need and the joy of bringing the encouraging light of Jesus to their world.

 

The bible says the world lives in darkness and loves the darkness.  Jesus said, “YOU are the light of the world.”  But the lamp that reveals God’s will is not our own. It is fueled by the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit.  It isn’t simply some random act of kindness of do-goodies. The true light in you intentionally shines in the darkness to guide you and to show God’s goodness to others.

 

Today we get to choose which path to follow, the one advancing our own personal agenda or the one that leads us – and others – closer to God.  Where will His light – in you – shine today?

 

 

Which Path?

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imageSpeaking of choosing new paths for a healthier life (see yesterday’s post), my sister Jane sent this photo from her hike in the Franklin Mountains. The sign gives a choice between taking the “more difficult” path to the right, or the “most difficult” path to the left. Jane observes, “I am reminded that the ‘easy’ path is not always an option, but our choice (our response) determines just how difficult the road ahead will be.”

What are the paths you’ve chosen to renew your mind daily? This is key to having victory over circumstances. We all know that the path of denial doesn’t work, and that the power of positive thinking, while helpful, doesn’t take us the whole distance.

Our personal experience is that meditating on the Word of God and talking with Him frequently is the only way that has brought us true renewal. New ways of thinking and responding to our circumstances have to become habitual. Even then, there will be struggles. This last week has been increasingly challenging for me, even at home. More tired, I push hard to walk 1/4 of what I did in the hospital and 60 days of gastrointestinal distress is taking its toll.

But when we take our eyes off our problems and focus instead on Jesus, our problems don’t take control.

I can’t imagine going through this cancer experience without enjoying a personal relationship with a loving God and the power He gives for victorious living throughout the storms life brings.

Even if you don’t know God or aren’t sure He exists, He welcomes your fellowship. Tell Him exactly how you feel. (Guess what…He already knows!) Whatever your position right now, the path to a renewing relationship is right before you. Whether it is “more difficult” or “most difficult,” walking with God is the best path you could choose. Even if you have walked a thousand steps away from God, it is just one step back to His loving arms.

Make good choices today!

“I am the way, the turth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus, John 14:6

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3