The Paths of Life

Scripture Thought for the Week: As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see Gods salvation. Luke 3:4-6
I have been extremely busy for the past six weeks. In fact, the hectic pace of hurry has left limited time for ministry efforts God has graciously entrusted to me. Trying to keep up with my responsibilities combined with this all consuming project has left my spirit bankrupt and my physical body extremely tired. Today I took a much needed time out and enjoyed a trail walk. The sky was blue, the temperature incredible and the breeze perfect. It was the first time in six weeks I have taken time to pause and actually breathe in fresh air and listen to that still small voice of God. With camera in hand, my eyes were opened to various landscapes that had gone unnoticed and as I photographed these scenes I felt the Lord whispering spiritual lessons. One of my favorite pictures was a seemingly long path that stretched out before me. I was reminded of the verses in Luke that spoke of the ministry of John the Baptist. Johns mission was to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He was to prepare the way for Jesus by witnessing to the lost. John was to begin the road work of making the paths straight for Jesus by teaching unbelievers that the Messiah was coming and their sin needed to be addressed. That message and mission has been forwarded to believers today. We need to continually be in the construction business performing road work for Jesus; witnessing to the lost by telling our story of what Jesus has done for us; helping those who need assistance; feeding the hungry; caring for the homeless or aged, whatever the Lord lays on your heart needs to be carried out in order to bring an unbeliever closer to the Lord. Each good deed and faithful service will render anothers path a little smoother and easier to walk towards the Savior who gives good gifts to all who seek Him.

Father, thank you for being the gentle breeze of a sunny, warm day. Thank you for remaining faithful and never leaving us although we often place restraints on our spiritual lives giving in to undue pressures and projects that will never be as important

as the work we accomplish for you. Please forgive our human attempts to redirect our paths. In Jesus name, Amen.