The trail we choose, will greatly determine who we will become on the journey.”
–Dan Arnold (Bear Creek)
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
–Matthew 7:13-14(NKJV)
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A good friend of mine developed a study called, “The Journey.” It speaks primarily of the Christian’s journey through life, but we all must realize that everyone, from the day they are born are in this journey called life. As a baby enters this world, they have no concept of the journey at hand, and even through their primary and teen years they still are not cognizant of the journey, at least to its full extent. The real shame is that so many grown ups, adults only by age, do not realize that this short life is a journey.
There are some on this journey that refuse to see God’s wonderful offer of salvation. It is there for them, the price was paid, the sacrifice was given. They have only to reach out, repent, and accept the wondrous salvation provided by the Lord. Instead, the have chose to mock Him, scorn Him, and some to the point of playing the fool and saying that God does not exist. There are those who have turned the truth into a lie and are on the road to perdition. Many want to disavow God, and seek other avenues even to the point of giving their lives over to the devil. This journey is one that leads not only to death–the end of the journey–but also to the second death.
The vast majority of people are on the merry-go-round of life. The world turns, it twirls and they don’t know what to do. Life is chaos for some; they live in confusion. Others try and fail, try and fail, and stay on that endless cycle. Others try many things thinking that they may finally get off the whirling of life. Others seek the thrills, they want the tornado, until it brings destruction to them or their loved ones. They are the simple, not caring about others. Some are afraid of life, they are afraid of tomorrow, they are afraid even of their shadow. Many cry, “stop the world I want to get off,” but that’s not the way it happens. This life is to be lived, not shunned.
However, there are some who find the gateway to living life with the Lord. The gate is narrow (Matthew 7:13), the road may be rough and rugged, but it is the way to victory. It will lead one to the heavenly shore and life eternal. My Aunt Bern used to sing a song first recorded in 1927 by David Miller, but is actually older than that, most think around the time of the Civil War.
“You’ve got to walk that lonesome valley,
You’ve got to walk it by your self;
There’s nobody else can walk it for you,
You’ve gotta go there by yourself.”
It is true that each of use, even if we are traveling the same road, must walk our own walk. The road may be the same, but the experiences different. On this road of life that leads to heaven, we may have aid at times. That is one reason the fellowship of the saints is so important. A brother or a sister in the Lord, may smile or whisper words of encouragement to you. They, at times, may even help you carry your load, but it is only for a while. Some have the good fortune to have a spouse aid them alone the way. But in the final analysis this walk–the journey–is yours and yours alone.
Now, don’t fret. Even though you face life alone, for it is up to you to accept or reject the Lord, the Holy Spirit is there to guide us. He is the Paracletos–the Advocate, the Helper, the Comforter, the Counselor. In other words, He is the one to whom you can turn to for help along the journey. Don’t think that for a moment you travel completely alone. Be sure to read the Bible for it is your guide along the way. In the light of eternity, troubles and trials are only for a moment. Learn to think in light of eternity and press onward and upward.
“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.'”
–Johnson Oatman, Jr.
————————————–
A good friend of mine developed a study called, “The Journey.” It speaks primarily of the Christian’s journey through life, but we all must realize that everyone, from the day they are born are in this journey called life. As a baby enters this world, they have no concept of the journey at hand, and even through their primary and teen years they still are not cognizant of the journey, at least to its full extent. The real shame is that so many grown ups, adults only by age, do not realize that this short life is a journey.
There are some on this journey that refuse to see God’s wonderful offer of salvation. It is there for them, the price was paid, the sacrifice was given. They have only to reach out, repent, and accept the wondrous salvation provided by the Lord. Instead, the have chose to mock Him, scorn Him, and some to the point of playing the fool and saying that God does not exist. There are those who have turned the truth into a lie and are on the road to perdition. Many want to disavow God, and seek other avenues even to the point of giving their lives over to the devil. This journey is one that leads not only to death–the end of the journey–but also to the second death.
The vast majority of people are on the merry-go-round of life. The world turns, it twirls and they don’t know what to do. Life is chaos for some; they live in confusion. Others try and fail, try and fail, and stay on that endless cycle. Others try many things thinking that they may finally get off the whirling of life. Others seek the thrills, they want the tornado, until it brings destruction to them or their loved ones. They are the simple, not caring about others. Some are afraid of life, they are afraid of tomorrow, they are afraid even of their shadow. Many cry, “stop the world I want to get off,” but that’s not the way it happens. This life is to be lived, not shunned.
However, there are some who find the gateway to living life with the Lord. The gate is narrow (Matthew 7:13), the road may be rough and rugged, but it is the way to victory. It will lead one to the heavenly shore and life eternal. My Aunt Bern used to sing a song first recorded in 1927 by David Miller, but is actually older than that, most think around the time of the Civil War.
“You’ve got to walk that lonesome valley,
You’ve got to walk it by your self;
There’s nobody else can walk it for you,
You’ve gotta go there by yourself.”
It is true that each of use, even if we are traveling the same road, must walk our own walk. The road may be the same, but the experiences different. On this road of life that leads to heaven, we may have aid at times. That is one reason the fellowship of the saints is so important. A brother or a sister in the Lord, may smile or whisper words of encouragement to you. They, at times, may even help you carry your load, but it is only for a while. Some have the good fortune to have a spouse aid them alone the way. But in the final analysis this walk–the journey–is yours and yours alone.
Now, don’t fret. Even though you face life alone, for it is up to you to accept or reject the Lord, the Holy Spirit is there to guide us. He is the Paracletos–the Advocate, the Helper, the Comforter, the Counselor. In other words, He is the one to whom you can turn to for help along the journey. Don’t think that for a moment you travel completely alone. Be sure to read the Bible for it is your guide along the way. In the light of eternity, troubles and trials are only for a moment. Learn to think in light of eternity and press onward and upward.
“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.'”
–Johnson Oatman, Jr.