The Lively Blog of Thoughts

Isaiah 55:6–9:

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Isaiah 55:6–9 stands as one of the most hope-filled and humbling passages in the Old Testament. It is a call to repentance, a promise of forgiveness, and a reminder of God’s infinite wisdom. These verses reveal both God’s accessibility to humanity and the vast distance between divine wisdom and human understanding.

Seek the LORD While He May Be Found (v. 6): The urgency in this verse suggests that opportunities to turn to God are not indefinite. The phrase “while He may be found” points to a window of grace—a time when God draws near and invites us into relationship. This is echoed in the New Testament: “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). For believers today, this verse is both a comfort and a challenge. God is approachable, near, and attentive. Yet, we are reminded not to delay in seeking Him.

Turning Away from Sin (v. 7): Isaiah emphasizes that seeking God involves more than lip service—it requires repentance. “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.” Both external actions (ways) and internal attitudes (thoughts) must align with God’s will. The beauty of this call is the promise attached: “He will have mercy… he will freely pardon.” God is not reluctant to forgive but delights in extending grace. This foreshadows Christ’s work on the cross, where forgiveness was purchased not grudgingly but generously.

God’s Thoughts and Ways (vv. 8–9): The heart of this passage lies in God’s declaration: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Human beings often attempt to reduce God to human logic or limit Him to our expectations. Yet Isaiah reminds us of the vastness of God’s wisdom, love, and purposes. The comparison of heaven and earth illustrates the immeasurable gap between divine and human perspectives. This should lead us not to despair, but to trust. God’s plans are higher, better, and often beyond comprehension. Paul echoes this in Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

Seek God daily and don’t postpone devotion or repentance. God invites us to pursue Him in prayer, Scripture, and obedience. Practice repentance by turning from sinful habits and attitudes. God’s forgiveness is abundant, but it requires a humble heart. Trust God’s wisdom even when life feels confusing or unfair, remembering that His ways are higher. We may not understand, but we can trust His heart.

Isaiah 55:6–9 offers a balance of invitation and revelation: an invitation to seek God while He is near, and a revelation that His thoughts and ways far surpass ours. For the believer, these verses inspire urgency in pursuit, confidence in mercy, and humility before the mysteries of God.

God’s love is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. It continues and never ends, regardless of where we are in life. God is Omnipotent having unlimited and infinite power. God is also Omnipresent being present everywhere at the same time.

This helm below also describes God’s love by being constantly in control and constantly with us.

The hymn comes from the Old Testament book of Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22-23. These verses are spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, who, when the destruction of Jerusalem was occurring, finds hope in the unending mercy and steadfast love of God. The text was written by Edith McNeill.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never have come to an end
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never have come to an end
They are new every morning
New every morning

We have a God that has a constant love and care for us, regardless of where we are in life. He is the rock that we can hold onto and be assured that his love endures forever.

Prayer to our Father,

Our Father who is in Heaven, the creator of all things, the Heavens, the Earth, and all creation. 

May we totally understand the meaning of your name, your most righteous name, your glorious name, the name that is the Master of the Universe. 

May your Kingdom come, O Father, in accordance with your plan, as in the master plan for mankind, and the coming of the Heavens you have prepared for all your followers for all of Eternity and may we desire and long for that time. 

May your Will be done as in all of Mankind being in submission to you O Father, both in the Heavens, as a place prepared for only your obedient servants, and here on this Earth as all mankind will take note of your supreme power over all earthly things and your power over the entire universe in the ultimate Coming. 

Give us today our daily bread, that substance being the breath of life we need to fully understand your will for us, O Father.  Make it simple for our understanding and our ability to comprehend. 

Forgive us our debts, O Father, regarding our failures in following your will for us as fully obedient children as we continually fall short of your most Holy plan. 

Help us to develop the same love you have for us in your unlimited forgiveness and give us a desire to forgive those with that same love for those we see daily. 

Father, don’t allow us to enter into temptation but rather put the Sword of your word in our minds and stamped on our hearts to continually devote ourselves to only your will and not lose sight of your desires for our heart, our mind, our soul. 

But Father, deliver us from the hands of satan and as we hold out your word that you have imprinted on our hearts, help us to always know your will is being fulfilled in the defeat of Satan and his followers. 

O Father, for you are the Kingdom, you are the all powerful, you are the Glory, you are the Way, you are the Alpha and Omega, you are forever and forever.  Keep me close to you, O Lord!

Amen!

Do you ever get the feeling that things around you in this world are falling apart? What do you think when you hear the world events that are happening or the events in your life that may not seem to be following the path that you would like? The book of Jude gives us some comfort and thinking about our life and our challenges and puts it in a perspective that we should ponder upon.

Jude is packed with powerful reminders for Christians. In verses 17–23, Jude encourages believers to stay strong when the world around them seems to be falling apart. He gives three big lessons: know what’s coming, stay close to God, and help others find their way back to Him.

1. Know What’s Coming

Jude starts by reminding us that the apostles (the first leaders of the church) warned that in the last days, there would be people who mock God and only care about pleasing themselves. He says these people cause division and live only by their human desires because they don’t have God’s Spirit in their lives.

This warning is still true today. We see people all around us who make fun of God’s Word or who live for whatever feels good in the moment. Jude’s point is: don’t be surprised by this. God already told us it would happen. Instead of letting it shake your faith, stay alert and steady.

2. Stay Close to God

Next, Jude tells believers how to stay strong:

Build up your faith – Spend time reading and learning the Bible, going to church, and growing spiritually. Pray with the Holy Spirit’s help – Prayer isn’t just saying words; it’s talking with God and listening for His direction. Stay in God’s love – Keep your relationship with Him alive and healthy. Avoid things that pull you away from Him and choose things that draw you closer.

Jude also says we should live with hope, remembering that Jesus will one day return and bring eternal life to those who trust Him.

3. Help Others

Jude doesn’t want us to just think about ourselves. He tells us to reach out and help others, even when it’s messy or hard:

Help those who are doubting – Be kind and patient with people who have questions about their faith. Rescue those in danger – If someone is heading down a destructive path, step in and try to pull them out before it’s too late. Be careful when dealing with sin – Show mercy to people who are deep in sin, but don’t get pulled into their way of life. Hate the sin, but love the person.

How Does This Apply to Us?

Jude’s words give us a clear plan for living as Christians today:

Don’t be surprised when people reject God. Keep your relationship with God strong through prayer, the Bible, and staying in His love. Show mercy and compassion to others, helping them come to Jesus without getting caught up in their sin.

Life can feel confusing and divided, but God gives us what we need to stand firm and love others. As we wait for Jesus to return, we are called to stay strong and help others find Him too.

A Time for Everything: Trusting God’s Seasons and Bearing His Fruit

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 is a timeless passage that presents life as a series of seasons—each one under the total control of God. From birth to death, joy to sorrow, war to peace, the passage affirms that everything has its time and purpose. Yet, while Ecclesiastes invites us to accept the changing tides of life, the New Testament calls us to anchor our hearts in the unchanging peace of God. When read alongside Philippians 4:4–7 and Galatians 5:22–23, we find a fuller picture: life’s seasons may shift, but the Spirit of God produces lasting fruit that transcends circumstances.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1. Solomon lays out 14 comparisons and contrasts of life’s opposites—birth and death, weeping and laughing, tearing and mending. Each of these reflects a reality of life. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes is that life is not meant to be controlled, only embraced, with a heart that trusts God’s timing.

The passage does not judge these times as good or bad—it simply states that they exist. Sorrow, loss, silence, and even conflict have their place. This is especially comforting for us as christians who may feel pressured to “always be happy” or who misunderstand pain as a sign of weak faith. Ecclesiastes grants permission to feel, to grieve, and to wait—knowing God works through all seasons.

In contrast, Philippians 4:4–7 calls us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” and to “not be anxious about anything.” At first, this may seem contradictory to Ecclesiastes’ description of life’s sorrows. How can we rejoice always if there is “a time to mourn” or “a time to weep”?

The answer lies in where our joy is rooted. Paul does not say, “Rejoice in your circumstances.” He says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” This joy is not tied to what happens in our lives, but to God’s unchanging character, His nearness, and His peace. Paul continues:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Ecclesiastes reminds us that difficult times will come, but Philippians assures us that God’s peace is available in all of them. The two messages do not contradict—they complete each other. One teaches us to accept life’s seasons, the other teaches us to remain spiritually anchored through them.

Paul’s list of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 helps us see what grows in our hearts when we walk with God through life’s varied seasons:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Each “fruit” is not circumstantial—it is spiritual. For example:

In “a time to weep,” we can still bear peace and gentleness. In “a time to mourn,” we can still display faithfulness and self-control. In “a time to speak,” we are called to use kindness and goodness. Even in “a time for war,” believers are urged to respond with love and patience wherever possible.

In other words, while life’s circumstances change, the character of Christ in us should remain steady and evident. The Fruit of the Spirit doesn’t deny the reality of life’s hard times—it simply rises above them.

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes helps us understand that not everything will go our way, and that grief and difficulty are part of the human journey. But Philippians and Galatians point us to a spiritual truth: God’s peace and the Spirit’s fruit are always within reach.

By accepting that there is “a time for everything,” we stop fighting the seasons of life. By rejoicing in the Lord and cultivating the Spirit’s fruit, we learn how to respond to every season with faith, grace, and resilience.

We find that in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, it teaches us to live with wisdom and humility, recognizing that all things have their proper time under God’s rule. Philippians 4:4–7 encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always and trust Him through prayer. Galatians 5:22–23 reminds us that even as life changes, our spiritual fruit must remain—always impacted by the Spirit of God, not the world around us.

Together, these passages paint a complete picture of faithful living: one that accepts life’s changing seasons, while standing firm in God’s joy, peace, and character. When we do this, we become not just survivors of life’s seasons—but witnesses to God’s unchanging grace through them all.

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture calls God’s people to rejoice in the Lord and to praise His holy Name. This central theme is not merely a suggestion but a command woven throughout the Word of God, reflecting the rightful response to His majesty, mercy, and unfailing love. Rejoicing in the Lord is not circumstantial; it is rooted in who God is and what He has done. As believers, we are summoned to live lives filled with gratitude, joy, and worship.

1. A Call to Rejoice

The Apostle Paul captures the heart of Christian joy in Philippians 4:4:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

This exhortation was penned while Paul was imprisoned, emphasizing that joy in the Lord transcends life’s hardships. It is not based on fleeting happiness but on the eternal and unchanging nature of God. Rejoicing in the Lord means celebrating His presence, trusting in His promises, and delighting in His grace.

Similarly, the Psalmist declares in Psalm 32:11:

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”

Here, rejoicing is linked with righteousness and uprightness—fruits of a life aligned with God’s will. The forgiven heart is a joyful heart, eager to express gratitude through praise.

2. The Power of Praise

Praise is more than singing songs; it is a spiritual weapon and a profound acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Psalm 100:4 invites us into worship:

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

The act of praise ushers believers into the presence of God. When we lift up His Name, we magnify His greatness and humble our own hearts.

God’s Name is holy and powerful. Psalm 103:1 exclaims:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

Praising His Name is a response of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It is an act of complete devotion that honors His character and glory.

3. A Lifestyle of Joy and Praise

Rejoicing and praise are not reserved for corporate worship or moments of triumph; they are to define our daily lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Even in trials, we are to rejoice—not in the pain itself, but in the steadfast love of God that sustains us. Joy and praise are expressions of faith, anchoring us to eternal hope.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 gives a powerful testimony of this truth:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Even when resources fail and despair threatens, the soul that trusts in God chooses praise. This is the victory of faith.

4. The Heavenly Pattern

Finally, we see that rejoicing and praise are not only earthly expressions but heavenly ones as well. In Revelation 5:11-12, the multitudes of angels around the throne proclaim:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

The eternal destiny of the redeemed is to rejoice forever in God’s presence and to praise His holy Name. Worship is both our present duty and our future joy.

Conclusion

Rejoicing in the Lord and praising His holy Name is the heartbeat of a life surrendered to God. It is a response to His goodness, a declaration of His greatness, and a weapon against despair. Whether in times of abundance or adversity, the believer is called to rejoice always and praise continually. For the Lord is good, His mercy endures forever, and His Name is holy and worthy of all praise.

Let us, then, lift our voices with the psalmist and declare:

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

May our lives be a song of joy and praise to the One who is worthy—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In the heart of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:7–8 offers a profound and accessible promise to those who desire to walk with God:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

This passage is more than an invitation to prayer—it is a spiritual principle that echoes throughout the Gospel of Matthew. It teaches us about the nature of God as generous and responsive, and about the kind of faith Jesus honors: a faith that actively seeks, knocks, and persists.

Jesus uses three verbs—ask, seek, knock—that imply escalating effort. Asking suggests a simple petition. Seeking involves effort and intention. Knocking adds persistence. These three actions represent the believer’s approach to God, marked by humility and faith, but also by a deep hunger to draw near. This passage teaches us that God is not distant or indifferent. He is near and ready to respond to those who sincerely pursue Him.

This teaching is reinforced in other parts of Matthew’s Gospel. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus commands:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Here, Jesus connects seeking God with provision. While the world chases food, clothing, and security, Jesus invites His followers to pursue the kingdom of God above all else. When believers prioritize their relationship with God, they find not only spiritual blessings but also God’s care for their physical needs.

Another powerful connection is found in the parable of the persistent widow (though in Luke’s Gospel) and echoed in spirit by Matthew’s emphasis on persistence. In Matthew 15:21–28, the Canaanite woman seeks healing for her daughter. Though Jesus initially appears to ignore her, she persists—asking, seeking, and knocking—until He praises her great faith and grants her request. Her story is a living example of Matthew 7:7 in action.

Even in Matthew 13, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great price (vv. 44–46). These short parables remind us that the kingdom is found by those who seek it with determination and are willing to sacrifice everything to obtain it.

The consistent message across Matthew is this: God honors the heart that seeks Him. The doors of grace, wisdom, and truth do not open to the casual observer but to the one who knocks and waits. Prayer is not a vending machine, but a relationship. God is not manipulated by words, but He is moved by faith.

In summary, Matthew 7:7–8 is not an isolated promise but a window into God’s heart: He longs to be found, and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

It seems like every day can be a struggle in someway. Either we are confronted with people that make our life, complicated, and major decisions have to be made or we are just in a difficult situation trying to claw our way out of it. During these difficult times it seems that Satan gets a grip over an hour life with influences or distractions that pull or push us away from being near to God. These situations, or enemies that we are confronting, are difficult to deal with without knowing and leaning upon our God in a more purposeful way.In psalms 56, we read about how our trust in God and leaning upon God is the only way.

Psalm 56:1-13
[1] Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. [2] My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. [3] When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [5] All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. [6] They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. [7] Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. [8] Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? [9] Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. [10] In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— [11] in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? [12] I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. [13] For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

After reading this, it makes me think about walking in the light, the light of God’s influence, and not in the darkness with the influence of Satan. I recall the words in the old hymn, walking in sunlight. (Author: Henry J. Zelley)

1 Walking in sunlight, all of my journey,
over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I’ll never forsake thee,”
promise divine that never can fail.

Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
flooding my soul with glory divine:
hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

2 Shadows around me, shadows above me,
never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness;
ever I’m walking close to His side. [Refrain]

3 In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
pressing my way to mansions above;
singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

Let us all press for the goal of mansions above!

In John 6:39-40, Jesus speaks profound words of assurance regarding the eternal security of those who believe in Him. He declares that it is the will of God that none whom the Father has given to Him will be lost, and that all believers will be raised up on the last day. These verses are spot on for the core message of salvation—God’s eternal will, the necessity of faith in Christ, and the promise of resurrection.

God’s Will in Salvation

Jesus makes it clear that salvation is rooted in the will of God. He states, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” (John 6:39). This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” These verses emphasize the security of believers in Christ. Once a person has been entrusted to Jesus by the Father, their salvation is assured, not because of their efforts, but because of God’s sovereign power.

Paul echoes this idea in Romans 8:38-39, declaring that “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s will is unbreakable, and His plan of salvation is unstoppable.

Faith in Jesus as the Path to Eternal Life

John 6:40 reinforces the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” This statement reflects the theme of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust in His redemptive work.

Jesus reiterates this truth in John 11:25-26 when speaking to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” The gift of eternal life is available to all who put their faith in Christ, and this belief leads to resurrection and everlasting communion with God.

The Promise of Resurrection

A key theme in John 6:39-40 is the promise of resurrection. Jesus states twice that He will “raise them up at the last day.” This promise is reaffirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:52-53: “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” The resurrection of believers is the culmination of God’s salvation plan, where death is ultimately defeated.

Jesus’ words in John 14:1-3 provide further reassurance: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” The resurrection is not just a future event; it is the fulfillment of our eternal destiny with Christ.

Conclusion

John 6:39-40 reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission—to do the will of the Father by securing the salvation of those who believe in Him. These verses highlight God’s sovereign plan, the necessity of faith in Jesus, and the promise of resurrection. Supporting scriptures such as John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, John 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 reinforce the certainty of eternal life for those who trust in Christ. As believers, we can rest in the assurance that we are held securely in God’s hands and that, on the last day, we will be raised to eternal glory with Him.

Seeking Heaven: Choosing the Path of Life

The journey toward heaven is often described in Scripture as a deliberate choice between two paths—one that is wide and easy but leads to destruction, and another that is narrow and difficult but leads to eternal life. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” This profound teaching challenges believers to reflect on their lives, their priorities, and their ultimate destination.

The Choice Between Two Paths

From the beginning of Scripture, humanity has been presented with a choice. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses declares, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” This decision is not one of convenience but of commitment—a commitment to love the Lord, obey His voice, and hold fast to Him. Similarly, Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” The wide path often appears appealing, offering worldly pleasures and avoiding the challenges of faith. Yet, Scripture consistently reminds us that this way leads to destruction, both spiritual and eternal.

In contrast, the narrow path requires effort and intentionality. Jesus further emphasizes this in Luke 13:24, saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” The word “strive” underscores the determination and perseverance needed to follow God’s way. It is not an easy journey, but it is one that leads to the ultimate reward: eternal life in heaven.

The Cost of Discipleship

Choosing the narrow path is not without its challenges. Jesus makes it clear that following Him requires sacrifice. In Luke 9:23, He declares, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This call to self-denial and daily commitment reflects the reality of the narrow way. Walking this path often means resisting the desires of the flesh and embracing the guidance of the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 explains, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Spirit-led life is one of discipline, humility, and faithfulness.

While the cost of discipleship is great, the reward is far greater. Revelation 3:5 promises, “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.” Those who persevere on the narrow path will be rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God, clothed in His righteousness and secure in His kingdom.

Few Will Find It

One of the most sobering aspects of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-14 is His statement that “those who find it are few.” Many are called to follow Christ, but few respond faithfully. As Matthew 22:14 states, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” This truth highlights the rarity of true discipleship and the importance of actively seeking God’s kingdom.

The psalmist reflects on this reality in Psalm 1:6, writing, “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” God’s knowledge of the righteous path assures believers that their efforts to follow Him are seen and valued. However, it also serves as a warning to those who choose the easy and worldly way.

Encouragement for the Journey

Though the narrow path is difficult, believers are not alone in their journey. Hebrews 12:1-2 offers encouragement: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we find the strength and guidance needed to persevere. His example of faithfulness and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross serve as a constant reminder of the reward that awaits us in heaven.

The journey to heaven is not merely about avoiding destruction but about seeking the fullness of life that God offers. As Jesus Himself declares in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This abundant life begins now, as we walk the narrow path with God, and it culminates in the eternal joy of His presence.

Conclusion

The call to seek heaven is a call to make a deliberate choice. The wide and easy path may seem appealing, but it leads to destruction. The narrow path, though challenging, leads to eternal life and communion with God. Scriptures like Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Luke 9:23, and Revelation 3:5 remind us of the gravity of this choice and the eternal reward that awaits those who persevere.

Ultimately, seeking heaven requires faith, commitment, and reliance on God’s strength. As we strive to enter through the narrow gate, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and trust in His promise: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).