Verse of the Day 1/15

Verse of the Day 1/15

Matthew 7:13-14

English Standard Version

13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy  that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

I've said it before, but i always enjoy the beginning of the year becasue I know that in my read through the New Testament plan I will be going through Matthew 5-7 and the Sermon on the Mount.  It is packed full of "memory verses".  They are memory verses not only because they have been memorized but also because of the memories in our lives associated with the verses.

The message of today's verses is clear and concise, easy to understand but all to often not followed.  It seems that we long for the "easy life', a life with no worries, no debt, no illness but when you look back at your life, can you see how God has led you through those times.  The verse begins with Jesus saying "enter".  He is calling us to action, to receive His instruction. Choosing to follow His leading may not bring you some of the pleasures or freedoms of the world, but His way leads to life.  I've heard it before in a song, "the freedoms that you love you're soon a prisoner of.  That's what lies ahead on the broad road.

Charles Stanley writes, "The broad way is easy to find. In fact, unless you make a conscious choice to avoid it, you'll find yourself on it. Most people like this wide path because it encompasses all philosophies and belief systems. Everything is acceptable, and everyone's "truth" is valid. It even seems like the loving path because no one is left out. There are no restrictions, and freedom is unlimited. Or is it?......What those who travel this road fail to realize is that it's a downward descent into destruction. All the promises it gives of satisfaction and fulfillment end in disappointment because it's a path without God. But those who enter by the narrow gate of faith in Christ find the peace and joy of a relationship with Him that satisfies the heart. The gate is small because truth guards the entrance. The way is narrow because the Lord protects us with wise boundaries."

When at the crossroads take the 'narrow way".

There's a path that's wide that many have followed
It's a low road that seems full of the night
But at the end of that road, it's dreary and lonesome
The long walk back is an uphill climb

Along thе way, you may stumble and falter
But don't lose sight of thе path you are on
Just stand real still and call to the Father
He will take your hand and lead you on

There's a narrow path that fewer have followed
It's a high road that will lead to the light
At the end of that road is peace and comfort
You won't walk alone, God is at your side

Take the narrow way, walk the high road
Like an arrow, stay straight on the line
If you find yourself where you have to decide
Walk away from the path that is wide
Take the narrow way

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Matthew 7:12-14

English Standard Version

The Golden Rule

12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.