September 4, 2006

  Direction

Do you ever feel as though you have lost your sense of direction?

The path in front of you that once seemed so well lit now seems dark and you are unsure?

There are intersections along the way that you could choose and everything in you is saying to go to the left or to the right, because it looks interesting, safe, easier, but you know in your spirit, the Holy Spirit in you that you have to stay on the straight path?

In the Message version of the bible Matthew 7:13-14 says, 13 -14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.”

There was a path laid out for you. Everything seemed so clear. You knew you had heard a Word from the Lord, yet it seems as though nothing is coming together. As a matter of fact it seems as though things are getting worse and your patience and strength is wearing out. You are feeling broken and defeated as you find yourself alone in the battle. The tears are falling and you don’t know how to stop them.

You are doing what you believe God wants you to do. Following all of the instructions set before you in the Word of God, eating right, working out regularly, praying and fasting, yet things still seem to be going the wrong way. Your frustration is increasing. Your relationships are becoming increasingly strained and the weight won’t seem to come off, physically, spiritually, emotionally or relationally. You know what God said, but right now it is not coming together.

Is it really true that things always get worse before they get better?

That’s what people say. When you look around, things look good. A friend of mine told me, “You have it all together, a nice house, nice car to drive, good health and a good job.” Is that what living life with God at the center is all about? Is that what we should be striving for, the outward appearance that we have it going on? What about what my heart desires and the things God’s heart desires for me, do those things matter? Do things make up the total purpose and plan God has for my life as spelled out in Jeremiah 29:11? Should we settle for the material outward appearance? I realize everyone does not have the material things, but are they all a life lived for Christ has to offer or is it possible that those are the perks, the grace gifts afforded to some of His children for choosing to live for Him? Some of the perks He has chosen to give me for my attempts at living my life in righteous obedience to Him and His will for me?

Evidence of living your life for Christ involves more than the show of things. He wants a heart committed and submitted to obedience to the directions He gives. In Proverbs 3:5-6 the bible says, “5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”

What does that mean to me and to you?

The promises of God to each of us are yet to be fulfilled, if we follow His direction, move our emotions and our flesh out of the way. Because I want the total package, the complete promises of God does that mean I am not content with what He has already given to me? NO! It means I know Him to be a promise keeper and what He said He would do, He will do. He promised that if we ask anything in His name, He will fulfill it. My words of wisdom to you and to me are to follow His directions, in your weight loss program, whether it is to drop physical weight, dealing with your emotions, to move to the next level spiritually, or to get your relationships straight.

  How do you get to His directions

• Through study of the Word of God
• Prayer
• Wisdom from the people God puts in your life

God, I thank you that You have a purpose and a plan for my life. I thank You that You have given me clear direction for my life and even when I am confused or frustrated because I do not see what You are doing and the road becomes unclear You are still in control. God, I need You to show me clearly if I am doing what You want me to do in every area of my life. If I am out of line with Your will for me, if I have lost focus or direction please draw me back in the direction You have for me. Where I have been trying to figure it out, help me to stop and allow You to work it out, by directing me, my actions, my prayers and my obedience to You. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

  Weekly Scripture

Matthew 7:13: 13"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5-6: 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. (NLT)

If it does not look the way you think it should look, don’t try to figure it out, Trust God with everything!!!!!!
For further discussion contact angela@mynewtemple.org or write to us on the message board http://mynewtemple.org/aMessages.html.