narrow path

Persistence

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“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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

Do not give up…don’t assume you know the outcome…they say failure is a stepping stone to success…or the next attempt maybe the one that brings success.  We will always have the opportunity to stop trying to do something.  Maybe the answers for a situation are related to trying a new approach or a new way rather than quitting.  If we are able to surrender control and trust in God and His plan, we may find new outcomes we didn’t imagine were possible.  Bring your worries and struggles to the Cross and let Jesus lead the way.  Amen.

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“Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)

God’s Word…Our Path

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“You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11 NIV

The first original navigtion guide is God’s Word.  Which way should I go? What should I do next?  How should I handle this situation?  How do I respond to that?  And so many more questions can be answered by spending time in God’s Word…reading, listening and putting into the action the things He is teaching us.  It is the ultimate guide for your path.  Pick it up and seek Him.  Amen.

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“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.”

Psalm 119:105 NIV

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)

Holy Spirit

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“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26 NIV

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

Our Guide…our Advocate…our Counselor…the very presence of God.  Amen.

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“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.[a]”

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)

The Way

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

The way to get through times of difficulty and struggle is only found with Jesus Christ.  The current times show clearly that what the world values is finite and can vanish instantly without warning…leaving us lost and our minds wandering with questions about our choices.  It is never too late to turn towards Jesus Christ your Savior and tell Him you believe in Him…confess your sins and let the Holy Spirit be your guide.  Start there and see what God has in store for you.  Amen.

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“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 NIV

(This photo was takne in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Finding The Way

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“God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIRV

We have choices…this way or that way…try this and don’t do that.  We will make mistakes and it is important that we learn from them.  How do we know what is right?  How can we find out which way is best?  Put a relationship with Jesus Christ first in your life, every day.  Why?  Read Isaiah 55:8-9.  God knows best, He has a plan specifically for you and spending time with Him is the best way to learn about Him and His plan for life.  May the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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“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.”

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Garden of the Gods Park in southern Colorado)

Commit Your Way To The Lord

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“Commit to the Lord everything you do.
    Then he will make your plans succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3 NIRV

“In their hearts human beings plan their lives.
    But the Lord decides where their steps will take them.”

Proverbs 16:9 NIRV

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“I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIRV

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)

The Way Of Faith

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The way of faith is a wise way to live and a narrow path for life.  Simple yet not easy.  Commit your way to God, trust in Him and you will find peace.  Amen.

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

“My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”[a]

Proverbs 3:1-6

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“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in southern Colorado)