Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God's will. People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness (Rom. 3:10–18). Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we able to desire God's will. If we make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin, ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human thinking is mere foolishness to God (1 Cor. 1:18–20). Only God knows the way that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Matt. 7:13–14). Don’t assume every opportunity that arises is from God. Satan will disguise himself as an “angel of light,” and his invitations will seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). Yet his way leads only to death (John 8:44). The Word of God will be like a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness (Ps. 119:105). It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance (John 16:13). Take time to seek the Holy Spirit's direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust Him as He leads you. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
It blows my mind that for over a year now, every day, God keeps bringing me here to write. It matters not if 1 or a thousand read it, I know that I am to obey in doing it. God should get any glory and honor if anyone who reads and has their lives changed by it. I write what I am directed to write.
Today's has something to do with how I got here today. Long ago I thought I understood and had figured out where God wanted me to go and how to get there. I was so excited! This was going to be epic!
Only I was off by a few dozen years. My getting ahead of God with His Plan, got my some extremely rough years. Delving into areas of sin that I was convinced I was going to be immune from because I was convinced I was going where God wanted me to go to reach others! To be honest, I am still not fully recovered from those experiences. I am often reminded of those disastrous years. My mind goes to the vague memory of names, to people that I honestly did nothing to bring them closer to Christ.
As the verse that opens this said so well the way there seemed so right to me. In over my head really doesn't come close.
Thankfully, mercifully, Jesus never left me, as He has never left you. He still had a Plan for me. Just as He didn't give up on The wandering people of Israel after they had left Egypt. Took 80 years but they got to the Promised Land.
There's a song that I grew up hearing. In it it says there's a highway that leads to Glory, but it's no easy ride. You'll find all kinds of exits, to throw you off your stride. Some will lead to fortune some will lead to fame, some will lead you so far off, you won't return again.
As a book by John MacArthur was titled, so it is for all of us. "12 Ordinary Men". He later had another titled "12 Ordinary Women". Look at the Disciples. Look at the women mentioned in the Gospels and later books. There's no scholarly people required as a prerequisite to being a Christian. Divinity school isn't a requirement. Christian Colleges and Universities are not a requirement. Nor are they necessary. Living for Jesus is what's necessary.
It does not read "Take up your cross, go to school, and follow Me.".
It doesn't read that we need a formal education to follow Christ. The KEY is what Jesus said of it. He praised the Father for HIS choice in the ones who became Apostles. The Disciples were picked by the Father. Ordinary people. From all walks of life.
My walk with Jesus isn't going to be your walk with Jesus. My burdens are not necessarily going to be your burdens. My vices won't necessarily be yours. My sins to overcome won't be yours.
How does that verse read? "...and encouraging each other all the more as the day draws near..." Hebrews 10:24-25.
This passage fits with not forsaking the assembly. To encourage means more than Zoom, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and anything else. It's the personal touch that the writer's of the Bible knew well.
Look at what drives you today. HAVE you gotten off on an exit on your way to Heaven? Stop, ask Jesus for help getting back. Quit trying to get back on your own. Admit you are lost. Jesus knows the way because He IS the Way.
Is what's going on in the world more important than your relationship with Jesus? Is your time spent worrying about what's in the news rather than on your conversations with God?
As I mentioned to my Wife on a few occasions, I honestly believe Noah, his wife, his Sons and their wives, were probably where the modern day Amish started. I am convinced they had higher technology than we have today yet, Noah thought more of his walk with God than that of the world.
People talk about unplugging from social media. They do, then come right back. Is social media necessary? No. It's done wonders in destroying lives, neighborhoods and countries. It, like all tools, has a good side and a bad. It's what's going on in the heart of man that determines how a tool is used. Social media has its good stuff too. In recovering lost relationships and people. In reuniting people we have lost touch with.
But it shouldn't replace relationships. Most today have no idea what's going on with their neighbors. They have no relationship to speak of with them.
Stop.
Stop what you are doing and look at your life. Where are you standing?
Is it God honoring? Is God glorified?
Will He be? Where do your thoughts and intentions take you? Are you consumed with you?
Maybe it's time to really stop and ask Jesus for directions.
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