Live 4 The LORD

Lectio Divina: read, reflect, respond, rejoice!

My Lectio Divina: Matthew 7:13-14, 21, 24

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

{The narrow gate is Jesus. I have to listen and obey Jesus. The way is constricted. It is so narrow that I must put all my strength into listening to Him. Just because I have a Bible, just because I go to Church, just because I give alms, is meaningless. Everyone can deceive themselves into thinking actions save. It is listening and obeying Jesus’ direction that saves. He has a plan for me. He knows every move I should make. I am to be listening for Him to direct my life. He bought me with his own blood. My life has been redeemed by Him. My life is not mine anymore, I belong to Him. This is the narrow constricted road-give my life to Christ. I belong to him and he belongs to me, this is covenant. My part is to have faith and trust that his plan for me is perfect for my soul and glorifying to him. Even evil can be brought to good. I can rest in His care. 

Few want to give up their life. They reject his direction. They want to control their own life. They want their own idea of happiness. They want what they want, how they want, and when they want. Sadly, they don’t understand the only true happiness is being in union with God. 

Oh my God, what freedom! To let go of who I think I should be, who I thought I want to be and to let you make me who you made me to be. What joy and release of worry and anxiety! Thank you for explaining the narrow constricting way. 

If I do listen and obey Your direction, I am building my life on a rock! It will weather the storms. It will not be moved! You are my Rock!

I confess I still try and take the reins of my life. It is a constant battle to lay it down on your altar. Please Savior, help me want to at least want to lay it down! I need your grace to even want it! Keep opening my heart Jesus. Help me let go and LISTEN to you! Then please help me OBEY!  You are my only true happiness. Amen}