The Narrow Gate

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
~ Matthew 7:13-14

Isolation

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
~Proverbs 18:1

Praises for a Monday

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalm 63:1-8 (one of my very favorite passages of Scripture)

Please help me to stay focused on You, Lord, as I continue through this week. Whatever trials await, help me to rely on Your power and not my own. Thank You for new opportunities that You put in front of me.

Our Safe Refuge

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be moved,
And though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
~Psalm 46:1-3

The Lighted Path

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
~Proverbs 4:18

God of Second Chances

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:14


Dear Father, You are the "God of Second Chances". Thank You that You tell us clearly what we need to do, yet give us the freedom to choose Your way or our way. Thank You that You have never stopped loving me, but have always welcomed me into Your family. Please, Lord, guide me through this week and reveal Your presence to me and encourage me. Help me also to be an encouragement to others. In Jesus's name, Amen.

The Promise of Heaven

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
~Revelation 21:4