Re-Center Around God
Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door…” ~ Jesus
Review
The words in the gospel - "make every effort" - can complicate this teaching of entering the narrow door. Believing in Jesus as Lord, you don't need to make every effort to gain salvation; it is a gift of grace. But the Lord does says work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). The words make every effort can be an athletic term for ‘competing’ or ‘battling’. In this sense, one could say that we ‘battle’ our enemy to enter the door, to rise up against him and make every effort against him who opposes our entrance. We also have a call to seek hard after God (Psalm 63); to connect with Him, unite with Him, experience Him.
Repent if Necessary
... of whatever get between you and God, whatever things distract you from seeking hard after God, whatever makes you too tired to seek after God.
Return (as necessary)
Often the way to return to God is in prayer: Father God I come in the name of Jesus grateful that He opens the door and gives me access to You. Thank You for Your daily mercies and constant grace. I want to be full of You and I want my life to be full of You; I want to live richly in You and I want to seek hard after You in my world just as the psalmist David did. I am so grateful that I have found the narrow door in Your son Jesus. I pray that You would allow me to be a blessing to let others experience this wonderful truth as well. In His name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:9-16 2nd letter: Beth (בּ)
- How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word. - I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands. - I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. - Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees. - With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth. - I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches. - I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways. - I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
The Promise
Isaiah 55:11
[My word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Pondering Point
How can you recreate the imagery of Psalm 119:13 in the context of your day today?