Which Path to Take?

Psalm 119:120 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. This great verse has long been a source of comfort for me, as someone once used it to explain how God does not reveal his plan for us all at once, but as a lamp lights only the first few feet in front of us, He shows us direction we should take in life a little at a time. It was a comfort to know that I didn’t have to know all the answers for my future.

However, a closer look at this passage and others, revealed a different meaning (although related) altogether.

Psalm 19:8 – The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Proverbs 6:23 – For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.

II Peter 1:19 – And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

The Holy Scriptures, God’s word, is a light in a dark world whose temporary overseer is the Prince of Darkness. His word not only helps us in decisions of direction in our life, but more importantly, it helps us from stumbling (sinning), tripping (sinning) and falling down (sinning). As foreigners traveling this dark, crooked world (our home is on high) the Bible is our roadmap, and we should constantly be “in it” (reading, discussing, meditating) if we are to walk the straight and narrow road (my spirit wants to please The Lord and walk on this path).

So, as Peter says, “until the day dawns” (the church age ends) “and the morning star rises in your hearts” (Jesus comes to take us home), it would be to your advantage to pay attention (take heed) to God’s word.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

WHO AM I………..REALLY

One morning this past week as I was praying about some struggles I was going through, I thought; “precisely, who am I in Christ, and if that’s who I am, is that how I am living?”  I started digging.

In Christ, I am accepted:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:12 I am God’s child

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1       I have been declared innocent

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16  I have direct access to the Throne of Grace through Christ Jesus

In Christ, I am secure:

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2 I am not sentenced to punishment

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. II Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been authenticated, anointed and sealed by God

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 I can be confident that God will finish the good work He started in me

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. II Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love and sound mind

We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. I John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me

In Christ I have meaning:

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16 I have been chosen to bear fruit

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? I Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple

And God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus in the Heavenly Realm

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be  reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. II Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God

Wow! When I look up, life takes on a whole different meaning. I am not really who I think I am when I’m focused horizontally. Vertical focus reveals my true identity and understanding that helps me live a victorious Christian life.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!