Guidance (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

Still life with Bible, by Vincent Van Gogh (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
New International Version (NIV)

        Many have doubts as to where they are going in this life, what they should be doing, or why they even exist.  These are indeed difficult questions if we dwell upon them to deeply.  Without God in our lives there is no particularly reasonable answer. 

      Those who live without a hope in the Creator's promise of a perfect eternal life might be prone to live the carpe diem philosophy which is to live to the utmost today and forget about what the future may hold.  The Bible tells us that we should not fret about our future on Earth as sometimes we have no control over the things that happen to us.  However, we do need to think about eternity and make a decision about which way we are going to choose--God's way or the wide roadway which leads to destruction.

        In our time on Earth we are to learn what we can and make the right decisions.  If we let the ways of the world be our guide then we might feel good for a short term, but we will eventually realize that there is more meaning to our existence than just accumulating possessions and having a good time.  A better guide is found in scripture.

        Forget the self-help books and the philosophies of those who think they know the answers.  If the authors of these schools of thought are not grounded in sound Biblical doctrine then they are espousing vain doctrines of empty-headed blathering.  Oh sure, some of the ideas found in the world of human thought are fine, but if they are contrary to what the Bible teaches us then they are not the guidance you should be seeking.

      Thousands of years in the making, the Bible has all you need to know about life.   It might take some digging and rereading, but all of the books in the psychology sections of all the libraries and bookstores would take just as much or more time to peruse to find answers to life and for the most part the answers are still going to be inadequate.

        Need answers?   Need guidance?   It's right at your fingertips in the Bible.  We were given the Bible for our benefit.  Are you taking complete advantage of what the Bible offers you?

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
New International Version (NIV)

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S.O.S.--Study Our Scriptures

 Lighthouse at Europa Point, Gibraltar, with the sinking Panamanian bulk-carrier cargo ship, M/V New Flame, in the background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:8
New International Version (NIV)

        When you need help who do you call?   When life gets you bogged down, you feel lost or confused, what can you do?   

         Perhaps you look to a "life authority" like Oprah or Dr. Phil.   But can you truly count on them for the all of the answers you need regarding your problems.   Counseling from someone equipped for such things can at times be of help to you.  Support from friends and family might encourage you.  Psychology books can provide some insight.   However sometimes your problems and questions are so big that even the experts and those who care about us aren't enough to pull you out of your darkness and into the light of understanding.

        Sometimes you need to start out alone with Bible in hand and call out to God to show you the way.  Prayer can have the power to calm you as well as incite you into action.  Delving into the scripture with God by your side is the best solution to problems that vex your mind, heart, and spirit.

        Don't just read the Bible, but study it.  God gave the Holy Scripture to us for our edification and education.   The Scriptures are intended for us to use for guidance.  

         Looking for answers?  Help is near to all of us.  Study our Scriptures.   God speaks through His written Word.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, 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.

2 Peter 1:19

New International Version (NIV)

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Openings #atozchallenge

Come unto Me 22 (Photo credit: Waiting For The Word)

The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 119:130

American Standard Version (ASV)

       The word "openings" is synonymous with beginnings. Opening can also have other meanings that suggest that which can lead to or facilitate beginnings. The Bible is filled with various openings--the opening of the heavens to bring the rain that caused the great flood, the opening of the Red Sea that allowed safe passage to the Israelites escaping Egypt, the opening of the age of Jesus Christ, and so on. 

       If we open our minds to God's Word and open the pages of the Holy Bible we will be ready for an opening of our comprehension regarding God's message for us. Some will complain that they don't understand what the Bible says, that it is too complicated with details, genealogies, laws--give it time. Open your hearts to accept the Word.  Just because a feast is laid before you it doesn't mean you have to devour it all at once.  Savor the bread and sip the wine slowly.  Understanding will come.
       

        God waits patiently with open arms ready to assist those who need help, guidance, and clarification. The gates of heaven stand open as they wait for you to enter. God does not force feed you. He provides the table that is set before you and gives you help when you are ready.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.   For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

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Understanding ( #atozchallenge )

English: Readin the Bible. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

         So often I'll hear people say they don't read the Bible because the don't understand it.  Perhaps they don't understand it because they don't read it!  Or maybe they are just not reading carefully and prayerfully.  The Bible can be a complex book with many things that are difficult to understand on first reading.  As the Bible is reread and studied, more things begin to fall into place and understanding becomes easier.

         There are many things in life that are hard to understand and when we don't want to understand them then we never do.  The Bible and the overriding story it tells is the message of God's love for us and how we can obtain salvation.  If we focus on this one theme and study the Bible with that theme in mind, the pieces begin to fall into place.  When this happens, prepare to be amazed.

           For those who complain that you don't understand God and why He would do the things he does, remember that he is God.  He is greater than you, and His ways will never fully be fathomed by you.  If you go to your doctor or car mechanic, you may not understand everything those specialists do.  You trust them that they will do the job you are paying them to do.  Let God do His work in you!  Trust in Him.

         Understanding comes from gaining knowledge about that which you are trying to understand.  Read books about the Bible, watch videos, listen to teaching programs about the Bible, join a Bible study group.  There are so many resources available to you.  Find those which are of help to you and let them guide you.

         Most of all, read the Bible with a sincere intent to understand.   Read, contemplate what you have read, pray about it, and read it again.   Understanding will come to the persistent mind that earnestly seeks understanding.

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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S.O.S.: Sowing of Seeds

The photo depicts the Sowing the Seeds icon from the Greek Catholic Cathedral of Hajdúdorog, Hungary. It was painted on the end of the 18th century by unknown painter (most probably by Mihály Mankovics). The painting decorates the pulpit of the cathedral. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       Throughout the month of April this blog is on a mission.   The theme is Salvation.   I am not presenting a deep study of salvation, but sowing some seeds to call upon you to study more about the topic.

         There are many out in the world who are desperately lost.  They are sending out their distress calls in hopes that someone will hear and bring them the help they need.  Are you on heightened alert to recognize those calls of S.O.S--"Save our souls"?   The lost may not admit to being lost, but within they know something is lacking.   They need someone to help show them the way.  Are you the one who can help?

         If you are already saved then praise God for that.  Now you should be sowing seeds of salvation with others you encounter.  Strengthen your own faith with study of the scriptures and pray that you can be useful in doing God's work.  The little things can add up to big change in the lives of others.
       
         If you do not feel that you have obtained the salvation through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to seek out more information on the topic.  You can start by clicking on the tab above labeled Take the Next Step . If you have a friend or family member who you think can help you, talk to them.   Find a solid Bible believing church and get to know other Christians.  And above all, pray.   Prayer can do amazing things when it is earnest and sincere.  

          What will be the harvest of the seeds you sow in your life?   I pray that your work will result in a bountiful harvest and exceed all that you have imagined.

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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Meditation (#atozchallenge)

Bible studies at Capernwray (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       Who has time to think about God or read the Bible?   We are busy people with things to do!   We may have jobs to go to, school classes to attend, or work around the house.   Then there are activities for our kids or for us.  Let's not forget time for exercise, shopping, or eating out.  And to give us a break from all of those things we need time for the recreational activities like reading, watching television, or going to the movies.  Life is short so why fill it up with little God things?

         Yes we are busy people in a busy world.  Our schedules are filled with activities and we don't have available time to fit in much of anything else.  Or do we?  What is really important in the long run?  When we think of things that are important to us at the present time we can probably see that a lot of them won't mean anything five, ten, or twenty years from now.  Think of what you were doing ten years ago.  Which things do you remember?  What is still important to you now?

         We don't need to give up living, but we should think about adding those few little things that might enhance living and even help us to live longer.  None of us could go without eating or sleeping.  These are activities necessary to survival.  Likewise sometimes the body and mind need a break from the world around us.  And I mean something besides escapist reading or blankly staring at a television set.

        Try a few minutes of contemplating God and creation.   Read a bit of the Bible.  Start with five minutes a day and see how this works for you.  Surely you can spare five minutes.  Turn off everything for those five minutes and direct your mind solely on the things of God.   You don't even have to believe in God or the Bible.  Just try it for a week or two to see what happens.  If you are giving it an honest shot then I believe you will see a difference in the way you feel and think.

        Are you willing to do this?  I hope so.  At least for that trial period.  Time is our greatest asset.  Do you spend your time wisely?

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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Jesus

Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

         Jesus is who this A to Z series is all about.   Jesus is what the world is all about in the final accounting of things.

          Many have heard of Jesus and know something about Him.  In many ways things haven't changed that much since Jesus walked this Earth.   People hear and some accept who He is while others reject Him.  The main problem is many don't learn the whole story.  It didn't start in the manger in Bethlehem.  The coming of Jesus Christ was prophesied thousands of years prior to his coming.   His coming was always meant to be and yet many doubted when He arrived and many still doubt.

         Faith and believing start with hearing the Word.   Don't let it stop there.  You need so much more than just hearing in order to walk in the footsteps of our Lord.   Greater understanding comes from studying and learning more about who Jesus is and why He came.   Never just go on the words of what someone tells you.  You must read and learn more on your own.

          Jesus was born of a virgin, lived and walked among the people in His time, was crucified and died to atone for our sins, was buried and resurrected, and will one day return in glory.   Those who have a true belief in Christ as the Savior and have accepted Him totally into their lives with  confession and humble adoration will join Jesus for eternity.

           It is a big story.   The Greatest Story Ever Told.   A story for us and for all the ages.  It is the story of Jesus Christ.  Hear it, but then live it, learn it, and know it.      

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please visit Take the Next Step. 

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