One Body

 In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to the others. Romans 12:5

The church is a group of Christians that together form the one body of Christ. And each one is created for different purposes and gifts. None are perfect. In fact our lives are filled with mistakes, but we seek the Father who is perfect, true, righteous and, oh, so good. We know we have need of Him and cannot live our lives without His strength and guidance.

Compare this to our physical human bodies which are made up of different parts, all important to the body. If the eyes were like the knuckle of a finger, the body would miss the capability of seeing. If our nose was like the big toe, we’d have no sense of smell.

Likewise, in the church, when someone is absent, troubled or hurt, their absence or suffering is truly felt.

The design of how each of us was made and the diversity of each part of our physical bodies complements and benefits our lives.

Similarly, as believers in Christ, we are connected together and beneficial to each other. We are one body in Christ. Yet, we are different, offering our differences to complement and balance the other. We unite in our mutual love for the Lord.

When a member goes missing, there is a void, a sad, empty place, where their gifts and presence is a noticeable loss. Everyone is valuable to the whole group, none is unimportant. Everyone is necessary to the growth and well-being of the whole, just like the parts of the physical body, no matter how seemingly insignificant they may feel.

As one, we love each other deeply and journey through our lives together; we rejoice when one rejoices and weep when one weeps; we serve one another in love.

Father, as we, the church, worships you together, we bow down and desire to bring glory to your name. Teach us how to be one body, more and more united and bonded together in Christ. Fill our hearts with your love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Holy Marriage

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31:11

All around the world married women (and men, too) who love the Lord, want to know what their spouses value most. Perhaps the secret is simple: forgiveness, love, mercy and selfless compassion. We develop habits of letting offenses slide off our backs and then laugh at ourselves in our humble human mistakes. We grow out of the need to always be uptight and serious, and instead, grow into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why might we, at times, lack these wonderful attributes? What kind of folly lurks behind our failings? Might it be traced to pride, stubbornness, hard hearts or weariness (from taking too much onto our already busy plates)?

The verses that follow today’s verse suggests, “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” and she “works with eager hands.”

There is nothing like a Bible scripture to stop you in your tracks and make you consider the deeper things in life that can powerfully impact even more than our marriages.

If our attempts at being a good mate are insufficient, how might our relationship with God measure up? For example, what does God call forth in me when my husband is unkind and vice versa? If our hearts are in tune to the Father and we are in constant fellowship with Him, His Spirit will lead us to own up to our own part in the situation, to humble ourselves, to ask the deeper questions about the moment (are either of us overreacting, is one or the other stressed, are there truths that need to be spoken?) and to always (ALWAYS!) respond with love.

Colossians 3:12-17 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

How I respond in my relationship in marriage (and other relationships as well) reflects the depth of my relationship with God. Developing a thought-habit of honor instead of judgment, contentment instead of misery and kindness instead of control helps us as couples, friends and peers to move in love when our flesh cries out to us to withhold what is valuable. We listen to the heart of our Father.

James 4:17 reminds us: If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Lord, give us generous hearts that help our mates to have full confidence in us even into our old age. Give us a loyal and service-oriented mindset. May those around us lack nothing of value because of the work you do through us. We give you all the glory and honor. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Beautiful Mess (Discernment Series #13)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov. 9:10

We are on the final lesson of this class. Today, I will be tying up a few loose ends in our search for wisdom and sharing some last words and Bible passages to broaden our understanding (for our life-long study of discernment).

In Matthew 25:1-12 we read a parable of Jesus, further emphasizing a point from an earlier lesson, that being prepared plays an important role in discernment. The story is about 10 unmarried women who were part of a wedding party and, as was the custom, they were to meet the bridegroom (whenever he showed up) and walk with him to meet his bride. Their lamps were to be filled with enough oil to last throughout the entire event. Five of the women were wise and brought extra oil for the occasion. The other five were foolish and didn’t prepare for the long hours of waiting.

When there was a delay in the bridegroom’s arrival, they all fell asleep and the light of their lamps went dim. At the announcement of his presence, the wise women used the spare oil to revive and brighten the lamps, joined the party and comfortably entered the home of the wedding banquet. The other women begged for some of their oil supply, but the wise ones only had enough for themselves.

They proceeded to the party with their lamps lit and ready. The foolish ones lacked discernment and tried at a late hour to go out and buy more oil. By the time they arrived at the wedding house, the door had been shut.

Verse 11 says that the frantic women cried out, ‘Open the door for us!’”

The response was: “Truly, I tell you, I don’t know you.”

Jesus’ was comparing this parable to the kingdom of heaven and what it would be like. He ends the story by saying, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” …of His return.

At first glance, this parable seems odd because the wise women and even the doorkeeper seem a little harsh. They wouldn’t share their oil or open the door to those left behind. We should always share and find ways to extend kindness, right?

However, the oil seems to represent something they could not give away – an individual’s responsibility for his or her choices that affect their own lives and souls.

If you came to me on the day of the Lord’s return and told me you were not ready to meet the Lord, and please, would I give some of my readiness for your benefit, I would not have the capability to help you, even if I wanted to. I would not be able to decide what you believe or don’t believe and what you accept about Jesus and what you do not accept. You cannot decide these things for me as well.

The foolish women made choices in the parable that represented sin and maybe even spiritual death. They were not allowed to enter into the banquet house. We, who do not prepare ahead of time will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of God.

Perhaps this one decision is the greatest decision of our lives. We all want to stand ready on the day of His return.

We also want to be prepared for the choices that come to us now, while we live on earth.

In our everyday decisions, it is good for us to follow today’s verse of fearing (respecting in awe and reverence) the Lord God which brings wisdom and understanding and leads us to better discernment.

There are so many ways that God shows us how to make wise choices: through promptings, dreams, intuition, His word, His people, sermons, books, songs…the list goes on.

When we have knowledge of what God would want us to do, we are learning to do it right away and with all our hearts.

When we don’t follow Him well, we tend to lose the ability to hear His voice and quench and grieve His Spirit as we’ve learned before. We often look back in regret and wish we had done things differently. There is no escape from making mistakes. Regrets are a part of life. However, sometimes, God uses our mistakes to remind us of our need for Him, to revive our hearts and bring us back to our listening, obedient ways, once again. He also uses our trials.

I’ve heard of some who have looked back on previous hardships in which they clung to the Master’s hand and then, once the hardship was over, they missed that closeness. Trials tend to move us to the only One who can satisfy our souls. Eventually these things become resolved and life may appear to be brighter and better. But during the difficulties (and the mistakes we make) is when we can become enamored by God’s presence more than at any other time.

When the blessings are overflowing, it takes discipline on our parts to continue walking closely with the Master, even when our need of Him seems less. It is always right to cling to the Savior on bad days and good.

In either situation, we keep our ears open to His voice! We make a difference in our corner of the world.

In fact, there should be a noticeable difference between ourselves and our neighbors in how we approach our decisions because of this very dynamic. As Christians we place our fear strategically at the foot of God’s throne (not at the feet of the world). We go to Him to help guide us in making our most profound and our seemingly small choices. We lean on Him to direct our paths.

Sometimes, God prompts our hearts in things He wants us to do. We would be wise to follow these godly inspirations. When there is nothing but silence, we do what we think is best, trusting that God is leading us.

We do the work we are called to do and the work we know is right.

Phil 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Who is actually doing the work, God or us?

Both!

I wouldn’t have much of a relationship with God if I didn’t respond (by working) to what He is doing (or working) in me.

Truly, may we all who see the accomplishments of God in our lives and know without a doubt that He is the Lord of all and the One to glorify. We let God’s name be praised and show the world the only explanation for any good done by our hands.

God loves to show off! Sometimes in going forward in what I know to do, I feel inadequate and unsure of myself. Discernment is not necessarily unwavering confidence. Good! That’s when God can explode through and show Himself strong.

There are times, I feel like hiding from a situation in which I have no other choice but to rely on God …while the crowd watches. In public, it can seem better to be hidden when I need Him to come through than to draw attention and not get any response. It is risky!

In I Kings 18, Elijah challenged God’s people about wavering between two opinions. Either choose Baal or choose God. He proceeded to reveal God’s power. Then he gave Baal a chance, who was simply a lifeless idol that gave no proof of his existence at all. God wanted to show up in their great need. He wanted to shine His glory, of which none other can take from Him.

I have to ask myself, when we make our decisions, if we don’t obey His promptings and callings, how can God, indeed, show the world who He is?

Here are the last of the words or phrases added to the Discernment Wheel. If we saw this particular chart for the first time, we would think it was simply one big mess. Instead, it is an intricate web of beautiful, Biblical ideas and helpful words and phrases to remind us to stay close to the Father as we seek to make important decisions. It is a beautiful mess!

Discernment is:

Fear of the Lord
Committing my spirit (life) into His hands
Not always ‘safe’
Peace in knowing God will help me whether the outcome is comfortable or not
Not a promise of great results (old); Today I added “But we do hope” and “But peace (seen and unseen) can come even so; also know that a person may have to fall to rise (poor results can give way to great results later)

I also added the following:

Discernment is:
Maturity/grace
Entrusting myself to God. – When they hurled their insults at him (Jesus), he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. I Pet. 2:23
Knowing when to pull someone aside in a conflict (away from a group) and talk in private instead of embarrassing them in public.
A gentle heart
Walking the narrow road
Not a fear of people

Lord, we will continue to add to this Discernment Wheel as we travel through the journeys of our lives. This study has opened our eyes to so many things about joining your will with our lives, walking a road of suffering and becoming more free than ever before. Keep our hearts soft and pliable. Keep our eyes fixed on you. Show us the fear of the Lord so we can have good wisdom and understanding. Help us to discern when we should be prepared for what is coming. Do your great work in us and help us to give you all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Light My Way

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26

Imagine that I take a trip and woefully forget to fill the car with gasoline. As I drive, my mind is so distracted, I fail to check the gauge to see how empty the tank is. Eventually, my car dies, I am left on the freeway to call home for someone to come rescue me.

Six months later, I prepare for another trip. Do you think it would be wise to use the same judgment as before? If I keep using the same wisdom, what other necessities might I fail to recall and pack for my journey?

As we travel through life, something is missing when we move away from the deep understanding of God and the counsel of His people (who lean on God’s wisdom). Instead we turn to our own faulty and weak knowledge. Today’s Proverb says such ways are foolish.

Solomon is an example of someone who failed to fill his gas tank (so to speak) most of his life as he followed his own way. He later revealed to his readers in Ecclesiastes his absolute folly and regret over his choices. Somehow, he persuaded himself, saying, “Since my preferences feel good they must be right.” Yet, in the end, they were his utter downfall, moving him further from God than ever before. In chapter 12 verse 13, after his story is miserably told, Solomon says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” In other words, don’t do what I’ve done all my days. Instead, walk courageously in God’s wisdom!

Hopefully we can learn every moment of our lives that we need wisdom in order to live to the fullest. Trusting in ourselves is not only folly, it is impossible to finish well; for “The heart is deceitful above all else.” Jeremiah 17:9.

The wise man seeks guidance for which way to take. He seeks wisdom from someone other than himself. He listens to instruction from godly people and from God’s word and then prayerfully thinks through his decisions, choosing the best route to take. His good choices are fed by an upright conscience that he has fanned into flame for many years.

Once a man has gone forward in his faulty thinking and has failed, he will hopefully learn to gain insight from those wiser than himself. Sometimes, the dark has to happen in order to benefit from the light. The consequences of the dark are necessary to desire the light.

Making a good decision after placing wise counselors around us, not only gives us a better life, the sensible choices also give us a happy life. It is the happy people who are easiest to love and guide. And the cycle of wisdom continues.  

But what about unwanted or faulty advice from well-meaning people? Also, there are times when the majority can be convincing, yet wrong. I cannot trust myself to know what is right. So, I petition God’s throne and ask Him to help me form a wise stance. I ask Him to send me discerning sources to aid my understanding.

In the end, I still, at times, make mistakes, even when I’ve gathered the best advisors I know and even when I’ve prayed. God is always there to pick me up and lead me onwards.

Father, thank you for being my greatest guide. Lead me to the straight and narrow paths of your will. Show me your ways. Keep my feet from stumbling in the dark and light my way. In Jesus name, Amen.

My True Heart

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. Prov 28:4

A different way to say this proverb would be: “When you refuse to listen to what is right, you are supporting what is wrong. When you hear and do good things, you are joining the right side.”

After spilling the failures of your heart out to a friend, have you ever heard someone say, “I’m so glad to hear you say this, now I feel better about what ‘I’ did.” It’s a compassionate answer. But somewhere inside these words there is more truth to discover.

We feel better if someone else sins as badly as we do. Forsaking instruction when we are weary, cross, misunderstood or feeling limited (which are excuses) still leaves us in a state of sin. We may not know it, or if we do, we may not admit it. In truth, we love our sin. Having others join us soothes our conscience. In a way, we are praising the wicked and agreeing with their choices. We are of the same mind and spirit, binding ourselves to them.

Instead, may we have friends who encourage us (and we them) to do good and not evil by continuing the conversation, “Here’s what I did to overcome that sin. Let’s work on this together. We can learn to guard our hearts from the dark and stop making excuses for our bad choices (which are rooted in lack of trust and dependence on God).”

Sin is a severely dangerous place in which to remain. We must learn to call it what it is. We cannot keep silent knowing what sin can do. We must get out of it as quickly as possible.

Surely, our hearts tell us not to remain with so called ‘friends’ who spur us on to evil when they are so comfortable in it. Such individuals would say things like, “Oh don’t worry about that. You’re only human. All of us would have done the same thing.”

They would call a person thrifty who is greedy, or a person spirited instead of telling the truth that they are acting irresponsibly in anger.

However, when we heed instruction, we are willing to contend with others over their sins and show ourselves what is wrong in the eyes of God.

Instruction can come in different ways: through parents or teachers, through our trials and pain (if we listen hard enough and learn from our mistakes.)

Our Bibles, setbacks and all of life can instruct us. But as the verse says, if we’re not listening it’s the same as joining the side of wrong. A wicked man takes the easiest road, does the least amount of work or boldly steps into sin with no remorse…until he gets caught. Lying and cheating his way through life is his norm. Compare that to a person who simply refuses to hear instruction. It’s scary!

On the contrary a man who heeds instruction, by the very act of heeding, is resisting the wicked way of life.

Within our instructional setbacks (painful trials that teach us), we are either trusting God or we are not. Trusting Him is the first step to hearing instruction. People are more willing to comply to directives that come from someone they trust.

Following instruction means that we open our ears instead of setting boundaries or walls to leave out our Maker, our Father God, saying selfish things like: “I’ll believe in you, Lord, or follow you only if I get what I want from you.”

Certainly, following instructions came easy for me as a child. I was born a pleaser. Pleasing God was my joy, as was pleasing my parents and teachers. I followed the rules carefully, and when I accidentally strayed from the right way, I was mortified.

However, during this past week, I contemplated the immaturity I had as a child. I don’t think my motives for such ease in compliance were always right. As I grew older, I began to learn the truth of my hidden, straying heart (even though my outward actions were praised). Anger and selfishness bubbled up from me and revealed who I really was: someone in need of a Savior, someone in need of Christ’s transforming power, someone who couldn’t please others enough to earn my way to Him. So He took care of that on the cross and made me righteous by His blood. Oh, praise His most Holy name!

As an adult, every day is a new day to learn more about the waywardness of my heart and the goodness of my Father in Heaven. Everyday, I discover how far and how much I wander and what that does to my soul.

Lord, the more I listen to instruction, the happier I am with my life (even when difficult circumstances surround me). You are everything to me. Teach me to follow your ways. Show me my true heart. Help me to stay on your path and leave wickedness behind. I love you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

After the Fall Comes Grace!

Last week, my blog was about Jesus’ comment to Peter that Satan had plans for him. But Jesus prayed for him that his faith would not fail. 

In Luke 22:33-34 Peter responded to Jesus:
“Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Despite his enthusiastic loyalty, Peter is told what was about to happen.

Rom. 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

John 1:8-9 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

In Peter’s response, his desire to be good and to do right were simply words. When it came down to it, he was proven to be a coward through and through. Did his denial hurt Jesus deeply? Maybe, but more than that Peter lost something valuable in those moments of fear and loss of faith. Perhaps these things had to be unearthed for him to rise up and be a star in God’s kingdom.

I have mixed feelings as I contemplated this verse all week:

1. Later, Peter ended up becoming a pillar in the church, despite his colossal mistakes, and he never denied Jesus again in such a drastic way. I’m sure he had failures in other ways in his lifetime, but in the end he would be martyred for his faith. He would withstand the test and die for Jesus. Peter learned from his mistakes.
2. I have to ask myself the question, how do ‘I’ deny that I know him even today? How do I enthusiastically vow to do what is right and then find myself failing, as did Peter? Would it be my lack of faith or trust? Might it happen when I’m too tired, hurt or overwhelmed? Does it come through my wayward thoughts, actions, attitude or motives?
3. I hear myself making commitments to do a certain this or that. Yet, life comes in and steals my energy and my ‘want to.’ I have the best intentions, but really, I never quite live up to my own expectations.
4. We don’t know what evil we are capable of. We don’t know what we would do in certain situations. We may fail Jesus terribly today. It teaches me compassion for others who are in trouble.

The main take away from this lesson is the knowledge that we have sinned in the past and we will sin in the future. Then we will get up, confess and learn to grab hold of God’s mercies. For He still has a job for each of us to do.

Father of mercies, come and cleanse my wayward heart. Fill me with your joy and with the energy and strength to live my life for you this day. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for a life that holds all sorts of possibilities in your kingdom, even after I have proven myself to be weak. I love you Lord Jesus. Take my life and let it be consecrated, holy to thee.
In Jesus name, Amen. 

From Regrets to Rejoicing (Success in Ancient Paths)

We all have regrets!
One of my many regrets has been past years of mistakes in my marriage (this post is not about marriage). Looking back at my immature, self-focus still saddens me. However, in the twelve years that followed, my river of regrets became an ocean of joy. Learning from my failures (in more than just marriage), I intentionally chose and still choose better paths for my feet on which to walk, and that has made a difference.

To be honest, however, it is so easy to get off-track!

In Pilgrims Progress two companions named Christian and Hopeful….”soon began to wish for a better path, and then they saw a meadow on the side of the road, with steps to take them over the low fence and into the meadow. That place is called By-Path Meadow.

Christian said, ‘If this meadow runs alongside the way, let’s walk in it.’ And he went to the steps to take a look. He saw that a path ran through it, parallel to the way, on the other side of the fence. ‘It is as I had hoped,’ he said. ‘This will be a little easier on our feet. Come on, Hopeful, let’s go this way.’

Hopeful: ‘But what if this path leads us out of the way?’

Christian: ‘Not likely. Look at it. Doesn’t it go the same place as the highway?’ So Hopeful, being persuaded by his friend, followed him over the fence. They found this path much easier on their feet, and then they saw another man walking in the same path, so they called to him (his name was Self-Confidence) and asked him where the path led. He told them it led to the Celestial Gate. ‘See?’ said Christian. ‘Didn’t I tell you so?’

So they followed, and he went ahead of them. But darkness fell as night came on, and they were not able to keep him in sight. And Self-Confidence, who continued to walk in the dark though he could not see, fell into a deep pit, which had been dug there on purpose by the prince of those grounds specifically to catch vain fools. Self-Confidence was killed by the fall.”
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (Modern Day English)

The story goes on to tell of how the two pilgrims, who took the easy path, were found by Giant Despair. They suffered at his hands and did not recover rest for their souls again until, as Bunyan puts it, “they came to the Kings highway again, and so were safe.”

In the Bible, we read: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah. 6:16).

From the commentaries of old, this passage is explained more clearly:

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
“Make inquiries; stand in the ways; ask the passersby. Your country was once prosperous and blessed. Try to learn what were the paths trodden in those days… Choose them, and walk earnestly therein, and find thereby rest for your souls.”
The Pulpit Commentary
“Stand ye in the ways; literally, station yourselves on (or by) roads at the meeting-point of different roads.”
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
“He…gives them counsel; by a metaphor taken from travelers, that being in doubt of their way, stand still and consider, whether the direction they have received from some false guide, be right or not.”
Great Texts of the Bible
“What, then, is the old way? It is simply the way of rightness. It is the good way because it is the way of goodness…What Jeremiah meant was this: if the children of Israel were to be redeemed they must go back to the old paths of righteousness. They would never be saved by mere forms of ritual.”
The Biblical Illustrator has some great thoughts:
“Some of the characteristics of the old paths:

1. They are plain. …we can always, in the darkest hour, see one step before us, and that taken, we can see another.
2. They are unchanging. God’s paths, like Himself, are “the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
3. They are paths of righteousness (Psa_23:3). …It is right living, with a pure heart as its source.
4. They are paths of mercy (Psa_25:10 KJV).
5. They are paths of plenty (Psa_65:11 LITV).[We are wiser to follow God’s right paths which better provide for our needs than to follow wrong paths. However, wise people may be in earthly want, yet still have ‘plenty’ (riches) in Christ.]
6. They are paths of life (Pro_2:19).
7. They are paths of peace (Pro_3:17; Isa_26:3).
8. They are His paths (Isa_2:3).

How to find these paths.

1. By standing. How hard it is to stop and stand still and think and search!
2. By seeing. With open eyes we may see whether the path be an old path, whether it is macadamised [macadam is a type of road construction] with living truth, whether they who are upon it wear the livery of the Great King.
3. By asking. Men are ever ready to ask counsel in worldly things. Why not (ask) of God and His servants in regard to heavenly things? ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’
4. By walking. Having used sight and tongue and thoughts, we are then to act. God has united faith and works, prayer and activity.”
   (end of quotes)

Another new year does not need to go by in order for me to reevaluate my steps. My desire is to live a life of abundant goodness. Standing, now, where I am today, my sleeves are rolled up in a thorough inventory of myself. The following questions are good for all of us to ask. More may come to your mind to ask as well:

Am I satisfied or regretful about my current choices?
Am I confused and struggling or at peace?
Do I need counsel about tomorrow’s decisions?
Do addictions (not simply drugs, alcohol, food, television, or porn, but even anger, laziness, self-indulgence, etc.) haunt my steps?
Am I out of control, depressed, or grumpy much of the time?
Do I wish someone would show up in my life to help me?

If so, then it’s my job to SEEK counsel from those who have walked the road of life with deep spiritual success and to glean knowledge and understanding from wise people.
Searching them out and refusing to quit until I find them, I listen to their sermons, watch their lives, and ask to spend time with them. Learning to narrow my thoughts, I’m aware of the need not to dominate their time. They have others to spiritually feed and lives to lead. In my search for guidance, training myself to lean on the Father is my greatest quest, particularly when the wise ones are unavailable.

These people are at their workplaces, in nearby neighborhoods, at church, in documentaries, in books (my favorite inspiring autobiographies or biographies include: George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, Joni Eareckson Tada, St. Francis), etc.
Wise people are all around me: the friend I paint with every week who encourages and prays for me, my preachers (now and in the past), a former song director of mine and life-time friend, the woman with MS who lifts prayers for me and shows me how to have peace and courage in trials, the ladies’ class teacher and sweet older women at a local independent living community, dear friends with whom I have walked many tough roads, my cherished mother in law, and, of course, my beloved life-time companion and husband. However, the greatest and most important stories that teach me the good ancient paths are in the Bible, especially in the life of Jesus:

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me‘” (John 14:6).

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it” (Isa. 35:8).

“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” (Matt 7:13-14).

Constantly tugging at my heart, the narrow-gate never fails to lead me down the tried and true “ancient paths.” To initiate a life of regrets and remorse, the broad road noisily beacons every passerby. After all, the path is easier and seems more comforting to my weary soul and body. In fact, it’s a marvel to think who in their right mind would intentionally choose a road very few people are taking; a path that holds seemingly little pleasure! The unpopular narrow road looks as if it would be boring and fearful. The lonely path tries to impress upon my heart that I would be living a restrictive life and at times having no one by my side. How limited would be my free-spirited ideas and boundless abilities to run and roam wild? Doesn’t God want me to be happy? Doesn’t he want me to defend for myself against all things that bring me discomfort and loss?

Read Proverbs 8 & 9. Two voices call out; one is wisdom; the other is folly. Seeking the better path of wisdom, a path that isn’t about me but about God, is challenging, but the ancient path is worth pursuing with my all.

Regrets are hard to forget, but one of their benefits is how they coach me in doing better next time and to gain knowledge from my failures. That’s why failure is so important in life. At least I’ve gone out and tried! That’s living! Repentance and confession of my sins and apologizing to those affected by my offenses are all necessary in gaining wisdom. As a believer, Jesus’ blood and God’s grace cover my sins.

Then, with the help of a mighty God and seizing the journey on the narrow road, I conquer the mountains of regret.

There comes a time on this road when a new lightness is in my step and a deep joy is found in simply obeying the Father in all things. The narrow road no longer seems narrow. Instead, the path, not many take, begins to open wide before me in all sorts of possibilities and chances to rise above my problems. I have eyes to see and ears to hear such bounteous beauty.

Along the narrow road, we all can find the rich treasures of life among the wise if only we would be humble; if only we would stop the prideful thinking that we already know everything (that one’s pointed at me), and if only we would be still and listen.

We sit among the wise and let them lead us. We listen to our grandmothers’ stories, inviting couples we admire over for dinner, and visiting those we already know lead a victorious life. They have much to teach us. Gaining wisdom from people helps us on our journey. These men and women make wonderful friends! They don’t get caught up in the drama of hurt feelings and walls. They don’t carry the baggage we tend to carry, and they show us how to let go of our wounds of the past. They have adjusted to life’s trials and have made their peace with the day to day struggles. These people are refreshing companions on life’s journey and safe with whom to share our struggles.

Sometimes the best wisdom can come during unexpected moments with those who know us well. We must ask ourselves, in these moments: are we going to be teachable, humble and willing or immovable, stubborn and foolish?

Truly, I may not know it, but whatever path I choose, someone is always watching me. Whether I like it or not, some will follow the path of my choices for good OR for evil.

When the narrow road becomes my pursuit, there is a wide open opportunity for me to discover a deeper joy than what earthly “happiness” could ever provide. Exploring the free-spirited and wild depths of God, I find all the crazy good He has in store for me that I would have missed had I taken the “easier” path (of misery and regret).

At first, the experiences on the journey may not FEEL so good according to man’s way of thinking, but the lessons in God’s heavenly classroom are paving the way for my astounding growth in his kingdom and my awareness to the unbelievable pleasures I find in Him alone!

That’s the point of my journey here on this earth: to find God and to walk with Him in greater understanding forever.

Lord Jesus, help me to daily choose the narrow road on the ancient paths of good. Sometimes it scares me as I stand and contemplate what that road will mean for me. Make me brave to take that step forward, to feel your hand in mine as we journey together the severe pathway your will has for me. Speak to my heart when I’m about to say, do, or think regretful words, deeds, and thoughts. Show me the way THROUGH Jesus to your dwelling. Make me into someone who leads others in wisdom, even if it means that sorrow and suffering are my companions. Help me to learn from my mistakes in humility. Remove my pride far from me. I choose your path, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.