The off Ramp!

Focused with eyes straight ahead, we can reach our destination without to many issues. But how much are we really missing? Jesus is life with God, in His world, that He has created, for you to enjoy. 

Deuteronomy chapter 29 verse 4.

But even yet the Lord has not given you hearts that understand or eyes that see or ears that hear!

I heard a good sermon about a wide road, that is spoken about by Jesus, in the book of Matthew. 

   Jesus says in Matthew chapter 7, " Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and it's gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose it's easy way. But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it."

   The sermon spoke about the example of a wide road filled with people moving along through life. Each of them with their own issues and troubles. You hear laughter and the chatter of conversations, it is a fast moving pace that makes each day go by so quickly. Age is not stopping and we do stumble. 

   Along this road are off ramps. Glimpses of another way. They are seen but our fast pace of life makes them easily missed and maybe not even noticed at all. There is even a sign posted that say's, "I am the Way---yes, and the Truth and the Life." And for those who do take this route, they find a new direction. One that is brightly lit where there are only a few stumbling points and the helpful love of Christ to guide them along. It's amazing. You are seeing things you never saw before. You are experiencing things that you never thought possible. You wonder why you never took this route before.

   In Matthew chapter 11 Jesus says, "Come to Me, and I will give you rest---all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear My yoke---for it fits perfectly---and let Me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens."

   The wide road is filled with people. To some it may feel crammed and uncomfortable causing  confusion and upset. Everyone is in such a rush, each of us trying hard to get by peacefully but watching as one tries to get in front of the other. All they see is themselves and the next steps in front of them. There are financial issues, and the need to have. There are attitudes, envy and jealousy. You complain and struggle to find the right person to share all your closest and dearest thoughts with. Everyone wants to be happy and at peace so they take chances, gambling on finding the answers they seek. 

   In John chapter 4 Jesus says, "If only you knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask Me for some living water!"

   Not everyone notices the off ramp and the sign that offers something different. As you go in this new direction you discover a refreshing place of rejuvenation where a huge sigh of relief can be heard from everyone there. The road may be fictional but it does represent our everyday lives. Instead of a fast paced day filled with heavy thought, anxiety and worry that ends with finding relief in consumption. You find lots of chatter about how wonderful Christ is. How amazing God is, wondering why it took you so long to take this way of life. 

   You find yourself doing things that you never did before. You are spending a lot more time reading the bible. You find yourself thanking God for things that are happening and instead of walking past someone in distress or in need of a helping hand, you stop and talk to them. You help them if they want your help. You listen to their story and if the opportunity arises you mention Jesus. 

   Ephesians chapter 4 verses 31 and 32 say, "Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarrelling, harsh words and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ." 

   You have heard about Christ. Take the time to get to know Him. What you will find is God and an amazing way of living. Different from following your own directions and missing out on so much, Jesus will show you the love God has for you and the love you can have for yourself and others. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for leading us down what we thought could never happen but found a wide open life with You. Heaven is now, why wait. 😊 

Philippians chapter 4 verses 4-8.

Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and do not forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.  

Isaiah chapter 40 verses 3-5.

Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, "Make a road for the Lord through the wilderness; make Him a straight, smooth road through the desert. Fill the valleys; level the hills; straighten out the crooked paths and smooth off the rough spots in the road. The glory of the Lord will be seen by all mankind together." 

Isaiah chapter 40 verses 29-31.  

He gives power the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.