The Strait Gate Versus Broadway. Part [6] 03/07/2024 (Evening thought)

Malachi 3: 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 You have said, it is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

In comparing and contrasting the strait gate and the broad way, the end purposes of life must be brought into the equation, since great distortions in perspective have been introduced by man’s nemesis in so much that there might be some persons who are in danger of falling for his sophistries. One of the delusionary views that have been spread abroad in the hearts and minds of men is that God’s ways are only doom and gloom while the broad way is full of fun, happiness and fulfilment. This concept must now be debunked in the clearest terms, and to put it bluntly, it’s simply a big, fat lie!

The truth of the matter is that in serving God in the strait gate you will encounter problems at times, but walking on the broad way also has its own problems, the main difference being that you will always have more problems on the broad way, than on the strait gate. Let none be deceived on this point.

Following Jesus and the laws, principles, instructions and commandments God has given us to live by, will always elevate a person. Yes, there will be times of trial, and temptation, when hurdles, and challenges beset your feet. Yes, there may be sickness, health issues or problems on the job, but at the end of the day you’re always better off serving God. For sure!

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

The Strait Gate Versus Broadway. Part [5] 03/06/2024 (Morning thought)

Ecclesiastes 8: 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. 15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

That is one perspective, coming from king Solomon who sank very deep into depression as the result of seeking joy, happiness and fulfillment in life, in all of the wrong places. Folks should be very careful when reading some of the verses in Ecclesiastes, for they portray life as only doom and gloom, without any sunshine or purpose to living. Again, we say, exercise great caution in interpreting some of the sayings of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, for although all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, the sincere seeker for truth must at all times retain the good, and utterly refuse the evil.

 When a person embarks upon the strait way, as the Bible describes self is lost in service to God and man and it is this that brings joy, meaning and purpose to life, so that whatever frustrations, disappointments, and difficulties folks might endure, at the end of the day, when the dust has settled, as persons look back upon their life’s work, it would have been worth the living.  This is what Jesus diligently set about to do every day, for after communion with His Father, He would set off on His journeys through cities, thoroughfares or market places, preaching the good news, healing, the sick and instructing people in the things of God.

Thus, when He lay down to sleep, and reflected on what was done throughout the day, Jesus could feel fulfilled in His heart, that he had been of benefit to humanity and a blessing to others. When one’s life is centered in service to others, the joys of seeing a person give their life to God, causes the troubles of life to pale into insignificance.

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!