10th. January. 2022. Daily Devotion.
13 ‘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.
The narrow gate represents true rebirth in Christ, actual faith; the wide one, popular culture. Those who enter the narrow gate take their values from the Bible, unlike the great population, which follow the urges of their body, the rule of their emotion, the culture of their parents and friends, the wisdom of the television. Their true god is themselves. Their moral code is delusional and self-referential.
Not only is the gate narrow; but also, “the way is hard that leads to life”. This is one of the paradoxes of Christ, for He also tells us, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.
It is hard, not easy. What great pianist, or writer, or scientist, has not found his achievement only after thousands of hours of diligent application? Why should we think less of eternal life?
It is found via a long road, not a short one. An “ordinary” doctor will train for seven to eleven years after graduation from college. Great achievement is made over decades, not days. A relationship with Christ is the work of a lifetime.
It is disciplined, not self-indulgent. How many potentially great men and women have fallen short of their potential, while frittering their time away on passing fancy?
It is thoughtful, not reactive. We must bring our minds to bear on what we want.
To Know God’s Word
Heavenly Lord, I pray to be able to read the Bible and learn your truth. Give me the spirit of understanding and wisdom, for you know how difficult it can be sometimes. Let me understand and absorb the words in your Bible, dear God, and let me see beyond the words on the page and know your true and full Word, Jesus Christ.
Let me not be impatient; let my vision not be distorted by my bias, or my preconceptions, or my foolishness, or the foolishness of the world around me. Give me the courage to change my mind when that is necessary. Let me know you as you intend for me to know you, I pray, O God; let me find my way to you, for I crave to know you and be with you, now and for all of my life, Amen.
For Peace in the New Year
At the start of each day, help us to recognize you more than anything else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you and notice how you’re at work through our lives. Give us the wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we’re up against. We ask that your peace lead us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord…we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Breath of life and love,
disturb the dark clouds
of fear and anxiety
that trouble our lives
and in this gentle breeze,
as clouds disperse,
may we sense hope
and healing, as your light
breaks in and through
our hearts and minds,
and shines out in the world. Amen