Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Today, read Deuteronomy, chapters 9-11. This is a repetitive pattern that you will see throughout the Law given by God to Moses.
In Chapter 10, verse 12, the Lord says that we demonstrate our love, respect and fear for Him by obeying all of His instructions and laws, and by worshipping Him with all that we are and have
This principle is repeated in verse 20 and again in chapter 11, verse 1.
In chapter 11, verse 18, Moses tells the people that they are to “…commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine…” (NLT). They were to teach the laws to their children, and they were to decorate their homes with what would become the scriptures, the Law of God.
Then, in verses 26-28, Moses tells the people that they have a choice. They can choose to obey and be blessed by God, or they can choose to disobey and be subjected to His curse and punishment.
All of this parallels something that Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.”
The wide road represents a life without God. It is a more comfortable life, but leads to ruin and an afterlife in Hell and away from God. The narrow road represents a life following the Lord, keeping His commandments, staying in a close relationship with Jesus and honoring Him in all you do. It’s a very hard road to follow. It’s tough, but so worth it when we have the Lord to depend on for our everyday existence and the comforting knowledge that we have an afterlife in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Have you made the right choice? If you are breathing, there is still time.
In your journal, write down people you know who are traveling the “wide” road. Take time to pray for each one, then make a commitment to God to speak to these people or send them a message letting them know that you prayed for them. Be courageous and help them find their way to the Lord.
If you find yourself straying from the “narrow” road, write God a promise in your journal that you will turn back and follow Him.
PRAY: Lord God, it is because we are made in Your Image that I have the freedom of choice. I can choose to respond to You with loving obedience and whole-hearted worship while experiencing Your blessings, or I can choose to disobey and cling to the idols in my heart and mind and be subject to Your judgement. My desire from this day forward is to love and obey You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to live a life of blessing that brings You glory.
