Off the Path

Off the Path

1 John 5: ¹⁶ If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. ¹⁷ All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which does not lead to death.

 

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“Stay on the path” were the words of wisdom given to us from the forest ranger. It was easy at first, but there was a point where the path was not as obvious. We took a wrong turn and noticed the trees were getting thicker. We kept going and could see light. It was a small cliff that had a fall into a river.

 

• Veering off the path was scary and I tried to use my instincts to get to safety.
• The direction I was going could have led to death.
• Every step I went in the wrong direction caused me to get closer and closer to danger.

 

John attempted to address one time sin versus a lifestyle of sin. He states “All wrongdoing is sin” to make sure that people were not trying to categorize types of sin to justify his or her actions. He attempted to get people off the path of a sinful lifestyle that could lead people away from GOD, especially if the relationship with HIM was not true in the first place.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS died for all my sins, past, present and future.
• Sin is very offensive to GOD and I should not take it lightly.
• There is a way of thinking that is dangerous to my wellbeing that believes I can sin all I want and be forgiven, which will lead to my destruction.

 

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” is a scary quote to me. I mean, when the crowd says it’s right and my desires say it’s right, is everything I do or say right? No! There are some sinful desires, ways and words that are accepted by the world but are offensive to GOD. BUT HE always has a better way.

 

HE wants people to pray for each other, asking HIM to guide one another back to the path of life. HE knows we may innocently go down the wrong path by mistake. The problem comes when I stay on that path because I like it or my heart is too hard to turn back. I am glad GOD listens to prayers from others who may see my sin and want the best for me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer recommend going to GOD versus confronting people?
• Have you ever accidentally done or said something wrong?
• If your heart has not been firmly planted in belief in JESUS, will you consider the path you are on may lead to death, so you can be placed back on GOD’s path of life today?

Given Another Way

Given Another Way

1 John 3: ⁴ Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. ⁵ You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins,  and that there is no sin in him. ⁶ So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him.

 

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Going on a trip, I set the GPS to provide directions. But when the request to hear a song from another device came up, I switched over and connected to the passenger’s phone. We drove and drove and after a while I questioned why I wasn’t hearing directions. I looked at the GPS and it kept saying “Turn around.” We had driven twenty-five miles in the wrong direction.

 

• I could not hear which direction I should go.
• I needed to be on a different path, but had no way to hear what path I should be traveling.
• There was something that could get me back on the right path when I realized I was going in the wrong direction.

 

At first glance, it sounds like John is about to get harsh. But he is speaking to believers of JESUS, trying to encourage them. He attempts to let them know that JESUS is the only forgiver of sins. John had written earlier in the letter “But if anybody does sin”, knowing humans will sin. He points out that those in union with CHRIST always have a way back to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• All human made roads lead to death, BUT GOD made a way back to HIM, through CHRIST our LORD and Savior.
• My past, present and future sins are forgiven by JESUS, but those who choose to not believe in HIM will remain in their sins.
• Declaring there are other ways to GOD’s grace, does not mean the declaration is true and without consequence.

 

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” is a scary Proverb to me. I mean, sometimes I really, really think I am headed in the right direction by trying to fit into what the world has to offer. Things seem to “go right” for me amongst humans, meanwhile GOD is constantly trying to say to me, “you are on the wrong path.” HE has a remedy.

 

JESUS placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to let me know when I am headed on the wrong path. HE gently tells me to “turn around” and “follow JESUS’s ways.” HE also begs for my forgiveness because there is no sin in GOD. I am so grateful for CHRIST who loves you and  me dearly.

 

Challenge

• What logic is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever done something that seemed right to you but was very wrong?
• Will you allow GOD to put you on HIS path so you can go in the successful direction HE has laid out for you?

Un-trapped

Un-trapped

James 1: ¹² Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

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Having a mountain of homework made me a bit nervous. But seeing the naked girls had me distracted the rest of the day. The boys locker room was connected to the girls locker room by a double wooden door. Some smart-aleck fashioned a hole between the doors from which we could see. Taking turns, we ogled and commented.

 

• I had work to do, but I could not do it because I was distracted.
• Instead of thinking of solutions for the work I was supposed to be doing I dreamed of ways to beat they guys and get in front of the line.
• My mind was trapped and I got caught by a teacher because I did not notice him standing behind me.

 

James gets rid of the blame game humans play with GOD. He mentions that during difficult times, humans have a tendency towards sin. He tried his best to paint a picture of how acting on our own temptation can cause us to justify our own sin which leaves us trapped.

 

My Observations:

• Temptation comes from the enemy to take me off the path of solutions for GOD.
• Remaining focused to what GOD wants me to do helps me stay out of the traps of my own desires.
• GOD does not tempt me BUT HE does guide me back to HIM if and when I fall.

 

Temptations can be tough. I mean, food, gambling, hoarding, substance and sex are all sticky temptations humans can fall into. When stressful times arise, the temptation can rear its head as a temporary solution. Unfortunately this only brings on more pain and problems. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS provides a different path. HE not only saved me from the consequences of sin, which is death; he also gave me things to think on to pursue HIS Kingdom. When my mind is focused on what HE wants me to do, I can reduce the pressure of the trial and focus on GOD’s voice. I am glad GOD forgives me when I fall and is willing to pick me up and place me on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain temptation?
• Have you ever been under pressure and done something regretful?
• Will you take the pressure off yourself by knowing JESUS forgives you if you fall to temptation, so you can hear HIS love enough to choose HIS path versus sin next time?

Straight Paths Heal Wounds

Straight Paths Heal Wounds

Hebrews 12: ¹² Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! ¹³ Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed.

 

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After experimenting with “fun” everyone else was having, I noticed my life was not getting any better. In fact, it seemed to be getting worse. I sat on the on my couch and made a decision. “I need to get my life in order” I said to myself.

 

• I felt tired from trying things that were supposed to make me “happy” but found them to be temporary.
• I was trembling from fear of the future, because the “fun” was not addressing any problem I was facing.
• I knew in my heart I needed to do something different.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, begins his final words with some sage advice. “Instead of being tired and scared, why not follow GOD who provides a straight path to HIM and HIS power?” is the implied question in his statement. He knew only GOD can provide the answer.

 

My Observations:

• Only GOD can give me rest when I am weary.
• Only GOD can heal my woundedness when I am hurt.
• Only GOD can provide a straight path instead of the wandering crooked path I easily get on.

 

True success comes from GOD. I mean, HE holds the criteria for what a peaceful life looks like. Unfortunately, I try things that cause me to lose that peace. I seek the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These things take me away from GOD. BUT GOD brings me back.

 

With gentle correction and wiping my tears away, GOD shows me how much HE cares for me and heals me of life’s wounds. HE provides a path that is straight. I gladly follow HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is the “straight path” the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever wandered away from what GOD wants you to do and found yourself in more trouble?
• Will you seek the answers from GOD instead of investing in what the world will have you do today?

Expected to be Corrected

Expected to be Corrected

Hebrews 12: ³ Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. ⁴ For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. ⁵ Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children?

 

“My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you,
    and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.
⁶ Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves,
    and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.”

 

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Hearing “No” as the final answer, I dreamed of ways to sneak out of the house. “Maybe I can leave out the back door while everyone was sleeping.” I thought to myself. But for some reason. Everyone stayed awake this particular night. My plans failed. Next I actually got the car and drove all over the city. The radiator leaked and I spent all my time and money repairing the car. “I can’t catch a break!”

 

• I was trying to be sneaky and my plans failed.
• I was trying to do something I was told not to do, yet I did it anyway.
• I was trying to get my way but “something” kept me from doing wrong.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a difficult subject, namely sin. He addresses the “struggle” all humans face. He reminds everyone that GOD will correct HIS children through punishment that is meant to be a guide back to the right path.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows there is a part of me that does not like HIS way, BUT HE gently corrects me to follow HIM.
• GOD sees when I do not want to be like HIM or follow HIM, AND HE corrects me when I rebel against HIM.
• GOD says to me “You are now in MY family so some of the things you do act against what I am trying to do.”

 

I can tell that GOD is speaking to me when I hear something I am supposed to do that would benefit HIS kingdom, yet I do not want to do it. I mean, when “that” person makes me mad and GOD says “reconcile even though it’s not your fault” I don’t want to do it. When I get punished for not reconciling, I question GOD.

 

HE then replies, “Because you are MINE and I expect you to act like you are in MY family.” GOD does not sin, is full of grace and tries to reach all people, not matter how horrible he or she is. GOD wants me to be filled with grace and sometimes HE uses mild punishment that does not kill me, to correct me. I reluctantly welcome GOD’s correction and I am glad when I get back on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• What children is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been corrected and been thankful for HIS correction?
• Will you accept GOD’s correction with encouragement, knowing HE loves you and wants you to grow in HIS truth and grace today?

Another Path

 

Another Path

Romans 2: ⁶ For God will reward each of us according to what we have done. ⁷ Some people keep on doing good, and seek glory, honor, and immortal life; to them God will give eternal life. ⁸ Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury. ⁹ There will be suffering and pain for all those who do what is evil, for the Jews first and also for the Gentiles. ¹⁰ But God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good, to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles. ¹¹ For God judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Lying, cheating and stealing wasn’t working. I was still in debt with a broken car, broken relationships and to top it off, I was cleaning toilets for people who seemed to care less about actually having the “waste” go “in” the commode. “There has got to be a better way!” I exclaimed.

 

• There were times when I felt like giving up.
• There were times when I felt that I was even bad at doing wrong.
• There were times when I felt I was on the wrong path, but did not know how to get on a good one.

 

Paul writes about GOD’s two rewards. One will be welcome, the other despised. He then writes about the way to get the rewards. Some people who are already doing what is right in GOD’s eyes, will get the reward that is welcome. Those who reject what GOD says is right will receive the reward that is punishment.

 

• GOD wants me to do what is good according to HIS way.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS glory and honor every day.
• GOD wants me to pursue immortal life based on the belief that JESUS died for my sins.

 

Good versus evil is usually a topic that is scoffed at. I mean some of the nicest people could end up being eternally tormented, simply because they reject JESUS being the Savior who died for mankind and was raised from the dead.

 

On the other hand a sinner like me, who believes in JESUS, will be saved and rewarded, simply by believing. GOD gives me another path that is not so glamorous. It is a path to serve people without being known. I am glad GOD is excited about placing me on HIS path.

 

• Are you on the wrong path and do not know how to get on the right one?
• Is your heart so hard that you cannot surrender your life to GOD, so you stubbornly seek your own path?
• Will you let go of your path and allow GOD to heal you so you can be used for HIS great and marvelous purpose today?

Dangerous Road

Mark 3: ²⁸ “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; ²⁹ but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— ³⁰ because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

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Tired of traffic, I sought another way home. One day I saw a familiar cement truck poke out from a dirt road. “I think I saw that truck in my neighborhood” I said to myself. I followed the truck, lo and behold, it was a shortcut to my neighborhood. I tried to navigate the same route back to work the next day and almost drove off a cliff.

• Some routes I have chosen have been dangerous.
• Some roads I have driven on have been deadly.
• Some places I have driven have been very close to a fatal end.

One bad turn on this construction road would have been a final turn for me. Unfortunately the Pharisees and Scribes took the wrong turn and crossed the line with JESUS. When they said “HE has an unclean SPIRIT” they were saying “GOD is unclean or evil.” They went down a dangerous road where they had no return.

• GOD says to me “I AM love and I love you.”
• GOD says to me “MY ways are not your ways. My thoughts are not your thoughts.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the way.”

Sometimes I travelled down another dangerous road, namely the road of thinking GOD is evil. I mean what kind of GOD would allow “fill in the blank.” Instead of getting to know HIM, I would blame HIM for HIS existence and methods. This path was built on self-pity or selfishness.

GOD wants me to know that I know that I know HE has my best interest in mind. HE is not evil nor are HIS plans for me. HE protects me in spite of me. HE keeps me from driving off the cliff even when I try to go down the wrong road. HE is my forgiver and I love HIM.

• Are you blaming GOD?
• Do you call GOD evil?
• Will you turn onto a better road by praising HIM and HIS ways today?

Way to Go

Matthew 7: 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.

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“Fun” was what I sought after. I mean “everyone else” seemed to be having “fun” and here I was, by myself, not having any “fun.” I went to church and all I heard was how bad I was and a list of rules I couldn’t follow. “Maybe I should stop going to church and have some FUN!” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I want what other people have.
• Sometimes I desire what other people are going after.
• Sometimes I crave what the crowd is doing so I can “fit in” with them.

Sex, drinking, and greed were many of the conversations “the crowd” said was okay. It’s okay not to serve GOD or the poor and it’s okay if I believe what I believe and you believe what you believe; was the crowd’s mantra. BUT GOD says something completely different.

• GOD says to me “Enter the narrow gate which is MY SON, JESUS who is the CHRIST.”
• GOD says to me “Stay away from the road to destruction which is listed in MY word.”
• GOD says to me “Find the road that leads to life, namely following JESUS.”

After having ”fun” for a while I found myself at a place where I could not even mention the name of JESUS to anyone around me. “Hypocrite” would be thrown at me if I opened my mouth about GOD because I was not living a lifestyle befitting of HIM, or at least that is what I thought. BUT GOD said something different.

GOD wanted me, in my broken state, to mention how HE rescued me in the “middle” of my sin. HE did not need me to clean myself up in order to mention HIS name. JESUS wiped away my shame and now I can talk freely about my sin without hiding or cowering in the corner. Oh, and by the way, hiding my sin was also me walking on the “broad path.”

• Are you walking on the broad path?
• Are you tired of following GOD’s numerous rules?
• Can you stop for a moment to assess where you are with GOD?
• Do you have hidden sin that you are not admitting to anyone?

How to Get Back on Top

Hosea 4: Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites,
    because the Lord has a charge to bring
    against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness, no love,
    no acknowledgment of God in the land.

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¹⁰ “They will eat but not have enough;
    they will engage in prostitution but not flourish,
because they have deserted the Lord
    to give themselves ¹¹ to prostitution;
old wine and new wine
    take away their understanding.

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Wandering around the desert is not fun. It seemed like everything was going wrong all at once, meanwhile the people I met there did not seem fulfilling. I mean we would go out, drink and laugh only to return to a place of loneliness. “Is this it?” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I was in a crowd and felt lonely.
• There were times when I was around laughter and was crying inside.
• There were times when I wanted to fly only to have my wings ripped off by life’s challenges.

“We’re going out drinking, you want to come?” was the statement that I finally had to say “No” to. It wasn’t the people or the drinking; it was the emptiness of the action that I found less fulfilling. We would sit drink, complain, joke, and jab each other, only to go back to our empty lives. Something had to change.

• GOD said to me “Increase your measure of faith in ME daily.”
• GOD said to me “Increase your love for ME and others daily.”
• GOD said to me “Increase your acknowledgement that you need ME daily.”

When I dropped to my knees and prayed I was amazed. My heart was opened and my mind was cleared up. I went from complaining about my situation to being thankful for where I was. No longer did the sordid jokes have the same effect on me. Helping thieves become wealthier just did not have the same taste.

GOD wants me to flourish but on HIS terms. HE desires to give me sober understanding to follow HIS ways and to lead others to do the same. I acknowledge I need HIM more than anyone.

• Are you lonely?
• Do you find yourself headed down the wrong path but cannot stop yourself?
• Will you stop for a moment to acknowledge GOD in your life?
• Will you reach out to HIM and ask HIM for direction?

When Anger Flares

Jeremiah 48: ⁴⁶ Woe to you, Moab!
    The people of Chemosh are destroyed;
your sons are taken into exile
    and your daughters into captivity.

⁴⁷ “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
    in days to come,”
declares the Lord.

Here ends the judgment on Moab.

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Childishly I lied about my age. I mean what was I supposed to do when the “experienced” people kept ranting about their importance and I was just starting out? Childishly I lied about my whereabouts at work by saying “I don’t know.” I mean what was I supposed to say when the janitorial supervisor was hounding me? Childishly I lied about my grades. I mean this was the only company looking at me at the time and it was the middle of the semester. They would never know.

• Immaturity breeds my insecurity.
• Immaturity increases my immediacy to sin.
• Immaturity makes me place a higher value on self rather than the truth.

One day I heard someone say the statement “Why did I just lie?” The person also said “What do I have to gain by this lie?” They were joking but I realized I was lying to others and myself. I also realized that GOD was not pleased with my actions and it seemed like everything was going wrong. It seemed like GOD’s anger was getting hotter and hotter at the way I was acting. I felt guilty all the time. BUT GOD was different.

• GOD was merciful to me and brought to my attention the sin I was doing against HIM and others.
• GOD was graceful to me and pardoned me of my sins while I was still committing them.
• GOD was loving to me and allowed me to face the consequences of my sins, yet restored me fully, enabling me to reach heights I never would have dreamt of.

Moab to me is like my sin. I mean it was a place that probably started off innocent but one sin after another got them to a place where GOD was full of anger. I felt the same way. I was headed in the wrong direction. One thing about being a child of GOD is HIS anger brings chastening, but it does not last forever.

HE wants me to recognize HIS power and love at the same time. HE does not want me to continue down a destructive path, yet HE understands that only HE alone can save me because I may not always make the best decision. GOD saved me because of HIS character, not mine.

• Are you acting immature?
• Have you given up on GOD and are headed down a path of destruction?
• Will you ask GOD to place you back on HIS path?
• Are you willing to give up the lie and start over with a firm foundation?

GOD steers the plan

1 Samuel 29: The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. ² As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish.³ The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?”

Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

⁴ But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men?

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Sitting in the interview, I answered all of the questions about innovation with brilliance, or at least I thought so. Then they asked the question “would you be able to let go of about 30% of your department?” My hand literally twitched and I got nervous.  I felt my voice stumble and stammer.

I took a deep breath and said “Of course!” Seeing right through my ploy, they dismissed me as a candidate. Looking back on it, I am glad I didn’t have to put a large number of people at risk of losing everything.

Sometimes when I plan something and it doesn’t work out then I plan another thing that doesn’t include GOD.

Sometimes when I fail at something, I am willing to do whatever it takes to be successful, even if it goes against what I stand for.

Sometimes when I don’t get my way, I lower my standards and values and blame it on GOD.

David knew he was supposed to be king, yet his own kingdom was trying to kill him. I’m sure he thought that if he sided with his enemies, surely he could become king by force, so his 600 men joined the ranks of thousands and thousands only to be rejected by them as well.

I felt the same way when I had been rejected. I figured since “this” group didn’t want me, then maybe this other group would. GOD said something different.

GOD says my success should be done through HIM and HIM alone.

GOD knows I want to be successful, but is not willing to compromise HIS standards of faith and trust in HIM.

GOD understands my desire to avoid the difficult route but HE wants me to mature in HIS faith so HE allows trouble in my life.

It would be easy and convenient to be rejected and hop over to my enemies and try to fit in, but that would compromise my values. GOD wants me to remain steadfast in my faith and push forward with HIM even when there are giant obstacles in my way.

Are you considering dropping GOD and trying something else?

Have you given up on GOD’s deliverance?

Can you rest your mind  a moment and seek GOD’s face wherever you go?

Revenge or grace

Exodus: ²² “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. ²³ But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, ²⁴ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵ burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

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Exhausted from track practice I slumped toward my locker. A football player walking on the opposite direction decided to hit my scrawny frame in the chest. I literally saw glowing things so I know what people mean when they say they saw stars!

This amongst other bullying activities made me life weights. No one was going to push me around anymore!

• When I get mad I want revenge!
• When someone does me harm I want to harm them.
• When I am the target of hatred I want to give them a taste of their own medicine.

After lifting weights and putting on a few muscles I noticed people picking fights rather than letting me have peace. “Should I learn to fight” crossed my mind. BUT GOD wanted me to behave different.

• GOD wants me to turn rage into Grace for that’s what HE shows me daily.
• GOD wants me to forgive rather than show revenge for the sole purpose of drawing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to bring peace rather than picking fights to demonstrate the same love HE showed me.

GOD created the “revenge laws” AND HE demonstrated the payment for the law by dying for my sins. HE paid the price for all revenge and wants me to show love instead of hatred.

• Did someone treat you wrong?
• Are you ready to fight them?
• Can you stop thinking about the wrong they have done and think about the grace GOD wants you to show?

The LORD guides me

Exodus 13: ²¹ By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. ²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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Rushing water sound was getting closer and closer as we hiked deeper into the woods. It was getting very hilly and the canopy of the trees was thick so even during the day it was dim. Something within me said “watch your step.” As I cautiously moved forward the next step was off a blind small cliff high above rocky rushing water.

• When I stop listening to GOD HE allows me to fall into danger.
• When I fight to get my way I am blind to the pitfalls ahead.
• When I keep going on my path instead of following GOD I end up broken and beat up!

I have said this many times “GOD speaks to every person every day but many times I choose not to listen.” In fact, after ignoring HIM for long enough it seems like I can’t hear HIM at all.  When I can’t hear HIM it seems like my eyes grow dim and I can’t see the people HE wants me to serve. Then I find myself “lost.”

• GOD wants me to spend time with HIM daily so HE can guide me to a better place.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I can follow them daily.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see people in need to serve them.

In spite of my sinful nature, GOD guides me anyway.  Day and night HE leads me to HIS kingdom. I may run away but HE gently brings me back to HIS path.

• Are you letting GOD lead you or are you planning by yourself?
• Can GOD say “no” to your plan or are you stubborn?
• Won’t you ask GOD “where do YOU want me to go?”
• If you are in deep trouble, can’t you cry out to HIM to lead you besides still waters?