The Way, The Truth, The Life

I just finished looking for an image to go with this morning’s blog. I was taken back when I saw the image I’m using this morning!

This is NOT an anonymous quote! These are the words of Jesus, but the image is a reinforcement of what I was wanting to share.

In today’s world we have better living conditions, better advancements in health care, better education than the generations before us. But we also have more stress, more acts of violence, more fear and less family stability.

In the “old days” people prayed for rain and the success of the crops, families worked and played together, communities gathered together to help a neighbor in need and children were educated by teachers who prayed and used the Bible as the core curriculum.

Truth was the foundation for society, government and the family.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.’ ” John 14:6 ERV

Truth isn’t subjective, it’s an absolute.

You are either telling the truth or it’s a lie. If you leave facts out to skew the story or sway the outcome, it isn’t truth. Remember the days when people in court had to place their hands on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? People swore or affirmed their statement by the Bible because it was and is the only standard of truth that has never changed since it was written.

“The way”. Our life is a journey and we can choose the path but when we follow paths of our own making we become distracted, confused and even lost.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways…The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

I love that verse. When we choose “the way” and “the truth” we gain life. And when we don’t, we face an enemy who is out to destroy us.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

When our youngest daughter was a toddler, she woke up crying in the night. I went to her room, picked her up and carried her to the living room to comfort her and rock her back to sleep. She wasn’t content there, so I took her from room to room until finally we came back to the living room where she snuggled in and fell to sleep.

I remember whispering to her, “This is where we started. I knew this was the best place for you. Why couldn’t you trust me and see that?” And then I heard God speak in my heart and ask me the same question.

Why don’t you trust Me to know what’s best for you and to have you in the right place?

WOW!

I wish I could say that I never had to learn that lesson again but that wouldn’t be the truth. However, the longer I walk with Him the easier it is for me to see when I am on a path of my own making and not where He wants me.

Make your foundation “The Way”, committed to “The Truth” and finding “The Life” that is abundant and everlasting. This isn’t an anonymous statement – it’s a promise from the King of Kings.

No More Excuses

I know I need to but…

Excuses – none of us like excuses. As parents we have heard our children give us a 1000 reasons why they couldn’t or didn’t do what they were told. As co-workers we hear the reasons and excuses on why something wasn’t their responsibility or in their job description.

We have a large segment of our society that won’t take or accept responsibility for their own actions but are quick to justify or excuse their actions.

It’s frustrating to say the least!

Now imagine you are God. How many times each minute do you hear excuses. The devil made me do it was the first excuse ever; I’m not qualified, I’m not talented, I’m too busy…on and on it goes. I was reminded of Moses this morning – making excuses.

“Moses asked the Lord, ‘Suppose everyone refuses to listen to my message, and no one believes that you really appeared to me?'” Exodus 4:1 CEV

And the Lord provided him with signs and an answer.

Then”Moses replied, “I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say.” Exodus 4:10 CEV

The Lord provided him with an additional answer.

Resistance, excuse #3. “Moses begged, ‘Lord, please send someone else to do it.’” Exodus 4:13 CEV

At this point the Lord is angered. He isn’t mad like we get mad but He was angered by Moses’ resistance to obeying what he has been asked to do. It’s as if Moses were saying, I know it’s you Lord but that’s just not enough.

Have you ever said something like that to the Lord? Me neither – ya, right! The Lord has given us His promise to never leave us or forsake us and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to be our strength and our guide, what more do we need? He’s even given us His Word filled with examples of His faithfulness to people in the past.

The Lord will listen to our fears, our concerns and our excuses but He will remind us that He has called us; He won’t give up on us.

“Aaron will speak to the people for you, and you will be like me, telling Aaron what to say. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will tell each of you what to do. 17 Now take this walking stick and use it to perform miracles.” Exodus 4:16-17 CEV

No more excuses – time to go and do what we are called to do knowing that the Lord’s power and promises won’t fail!