Today’s scripture is from “The Sermon On the Mount” delivered by Jesus thousands of years ago. As we begin our week this Mindset Monday, let’s focus on the meaning of this scripture.

What did Jesus mean by saying the gate is narrow? Why is the “road that leads to life” narrow? How do we find it?

I believe our focus on Christ guides us along the narrow road through the small gate. One way to become focused on Christ is by studying the Word.

According to the website, lifehopeandtruth.com, “the Sermon On the Mount is Jesus’ longest, most detailed teaching recorded in the Gospels.” The sermon is found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. “It contains some of the most essential principles for living a genuine Christian life.”

To begin your Mindset Monday, open your Bible and read Matthew 5-7. If you do not have time to read it all today, finish reading it throughout your week. Make notes, meditate, and memorize some of the words that Jesus intended to teach you. Allow the Sermon On the Mount to guide you along the narrow road and through the small gate that leads to life eternal.

Recently Clark and I went to the beach for a relaxing walk after his work day. The pictures today were taken that evening as the sun set. I was mesmerized by the rays of light shining from behind the clouds and was reminded of the light God brings to the world. The light beams are like the presence of the Holy Spirit shining into the darkness of our world.

In worship services we often light candles to represent the presence of God just as I like to light a candle when I begin my devotion time. On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage you to be aware of light around you. At some point today, light a candle, turn on a lamp or even flip a light switch. Take a moment to be mindful of the light and thank God for shining through the darkness. Be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and ask God to help you also carry the light of Christ into the darkness of our world.

Before rushing into your day, begin this Spiritual Sunday Click here and listen to the song “Holy Spirit” as you invite the Holy Spirit into your day.

Click here to watch today’s “See You Saturday” video and to find out what the shelf in the picture has to do with spiritual growth.

Julie and I talk a lot about looking for Godwinks. On this Finish Friday I want to share with you how God winked at me yesterday.

I have a Timehop app on my phone. Each day I get a notification for me to open the app and look at photos that were taken on that day. Yesterday afternoon when I opened the app I found the pictures featured in today’s photo. The scripture that I shared a year ago is also one of the scripture promises God laid on my heart to share yesterday. If you recall, I also wrote about a rainbow being a symbol of a promise of God which is featured in the second photo that I took 4 years ago. When I saw these two pictures I immediately sent them to Julie to share how excited I was to see them. I am also humbled at God’s awesome ability to give us confirmation just when we need it. I also realize there are probably many times a day that I am not attune to the Godwinks before me.

This Finish Friday morning I offer a prayer for each of us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your everlasting love and mercy. You know the road ahead for each of us today. Open our eyes, ears, heart, and mind to receive the blessings you send our way. Make us aware of the confirmations and Godwinks sent our way and may we offer up praise in response. As we travel through the day, may each of us revel in your everlasting love and presence. May all that we say and do today give you all honor and glory. We ask all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

If you were unable to read yesterday’s post, Click here to read it now.

Sometimes I need to be reminded of how blessed I am by the promises of God. How about you?

Tuesday I ventured to the Florence Farmer’s Market with my in-laws. When I stepped out of the vehicle I was overwhelmed by the vibrant colors. As we walked through the stands of fruits and vegetables, God convicted me to reflect on the promises of the Bible, beginning with the covenant God made marked by a rainbow in the sky.

“So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Read Genesis 9 for the full story.

This Thankful Thursday I encourage you to look up some promises of God and find one to carry with you today. Let that promise speak into your current situation. Allow the words of God to strengthen, encourage and give you comfort. Every time you think of the promise today, offer up words of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Here are a few promises to get you started.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We would love to hear from you. Comment below your favorite promise of God.

For the past several weeks on Water Walking Wednesday, Julie and I have been talking with you about the mission of Christians to spread the word of God. I would like to continue that today by sharing again from our pastor, Charles Wilbanks.

This past Sunday, Pastor Charles preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. I encourage you to take a moment to read it now.

Pastor Charles focused much of his sermon on the lawyer’s question: who is my neighbor?

As you know, our neighbor is everyone. Therefore our mission field is everyone. Wow! That’s a big task. However the way we tackle our mission field is by one loving act at a time and we can join together with other Christians . Love should be our driving force and as Pastor Charles said, “Love grows when allowed to ripple outward, reaching out into the community.”

What ways are you currently serving with other Christians to advance the love of God into your community? How are you spreading the Gospel? Are you helping create a ripple outward into your community?

Our Christian mission is to spread the word of God through love. I encourage you to pray today for how you can intentionally join with other Christians to cause a ripple of love into your community.

What a beautiful path that is captured in this photo by Ray White! The path ahead looks peaceful. Is the path ahead of you also peaceful?

This Transformation Tips Tuesday I want to remind you that your path can be filled with peace if you allow the Lord to direct your way. You will face trials, tribulations, and obstacles that Satan will use to try to rob you of peace and joy. However, if you have spiritual disciplines in place, you will be able to rely on those practices to help you stay grounded on the path with Jesus and have peace, no matter where the path leads.

Some of the spiritual disciplines I practice are prayer, worship, meditation, journaling, scripture reading, keeping a gratitude journal, and fasting. What about you? What are ways you stay focused and grounded on the path of Christ? If you aren’t sure what all could be considered spiritual disciplines, do an internet search and see all the ideas. I encourage you to intentionally ponder what spiritual disciplines you currently practice and I challenge you to try a new one or return to one you have let fall by the wayside. Consistently practicing spiritual disciplines will help you stay focused on the path with Christ so that when you meet obstacles, you can still have peace because your joy will come from Christ.

As you begin your Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to Clicks here to listen to the song “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” by Steffany Gretzinger. Especially pay attention to the words in the chorus that end with, “let it be known, in you alone, my joy was found.” May that be known for you and I!