Narrow Gate, or Wide?

Too many times in my past I have done things that I should not have done. Sometimes I acted in haste, without adequate information. Sometimes simple human reaction caused me to err. And I am sorry for those sins, and have taken God at His word that He has forgiven me.

But there have been other times when I thought about what I felt like doing, knowing full well that following my own inclination was neither wise nor good, and I chose to go my own way anyhow. “I can always ask the Lord to forgive me later,” I told myself. And then, closing down my conscience, I walked knowingly into whatever folly enticed me at the moment. And true to my self-reasoning, I did end out asking the Lord to forgive those sins. When I faced Him on my knees, I was no longer so sure of myself, nor so brazen. I realized that I’d been on a dangerous pathway, and I welcomed the twinges of my reawakened conscience, accepting them as helpful guidance and extremely just desserts.

Lying in the darkness one night some time ago, I thought back over my life experiences. I knew that all people are tempted to do wrong, and fail sometimes. But I had gone overboard, it seemed. Just when did the thing that had beckoned me actually become a purposeful sin, rather than an enticing temptation I successfully spurned? Needing to figure it out, I asked God to help me find the pattern in my behavior so I could make sure the same things never happened again.

God is the only one who truly knows me and my purposes, motives, and desires from the inside out. I begged Him to reveal to me those things that I needed to see. In answer, as I prayed, the Lord directed my thoughts toward how I happened to fall into various situations in the first place. He brought to mind issues with my parents, vulnerability, loneliness, a need to be accepted, boredom, too much time on my hands, and on and on went the list. When experiencing those types of conditions, one searches for ways to be happy or to placate an uneasy self. And Satan smiles because he knows you have become vulnerable.

This is how it generally goes.  It all begins with an idea. Something peaks your interest, and an unbidden thought flashes through your mind.  “Oh, I’d never do that!” you tell yourself, but somehow your thoughts keep returning to the idea. Little by little you let yourself imagine how it would be if you actually did the thing that’s beckoning to you. You play it out in your mind, rearranging details as you imagine what you’d do or say under certain circumstances. And before long, you are trapped in your own vivid imaginings, sucked into something you know is wrong. Maybe you even self-talk to convince yourself it really isn’t so bad at all, and that lots of other people are doing the same thing. “I deserve a little happiness,” you tell yourself. And your presumptuous thoughts take over.

In the Bible Jesus talked about two gates, a wide one and a narrow one, and the importance of each.  He said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14.

If we follow our own inclinations and simply do what feels good or what is easy and popular without regard to what Christ asks of us, it is like walking through a wide gate that is so easy to find and pass through. When you walk through that gate no behaviors are prohibited—anything goes. You never have to tell yourself no or monitor your desires in any way. True, you can get into trouble with the law, or suffer terrible physical consequences from illness or injury; you can shatter personal relationships and cause untold sorrow to yourself and others, but you can just follow your heart and unholy wishes. However, in the end lies destruction—eternal destruction, following a lifetime of regrets and sorrow.

On the other hand, to find the narrow gate which leads to eternal life and a better life even while we are here on this earth, we need to monitor ourselves by a reliable set of guidelines. We want to do right, and are asking God’s help in our daily lives. Good guidelines help us to be obedient to God, and be true, honest, kind, cherish good morals, and put others first. We realize that we can’t always go with just what we “feel”, because feelings are not always trustworthy, or even valid. Instead, we will filter our desires and actions through what God tells us in His Word is right and good to do. (See Philippians 4:8 and Exodus 20:1-17.)

So how do we avoid falling into the traps that entice us through the wide gate? Here are some ideas that have helped me:

• Learn to identify your own personal trigger points that urge you to sinful behavior, i.e., music, a certain location, certain sights or activities, certain TV shows, a predictable set of behaviors, etc. Then you’ll know what to avoid.
• Recognize that Satan is urging you to do things that will be destructive to you and perhaps to others. His goal is to ruin all of God’s children so that he can wound our Heavenly Father and Jesus. Claim the promise made in James 4:7, 8.
• Consider the sadness and/or disgrace that following your inclinations could bring to yourself and to others.
• Ask God to help you see the situation in its true light, and for strength and focus and the will to overcome.
• Read and memorize some texts about how God wants us to live, and about His help for us when we are tempted: Psalm 141:3, 4; Hebrews 2:18 [succour means to aid or help]; Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 2:13; 1 John 1:9.
• Purposely turn your mind to something else—sing a hymn, go for a prayer walk, read your Bible, scrub a floor, do something for a neighbor.
• Confide in a godly and trusted friend. Sometimes simply talking things out helps us to see things in a clearer light.
• Memorize and pray the Bible verse prayer, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.

You see, the idea is not to see how close we can get to doing something wrong without actually sinning. Instead, the idea is to stay as far away from improper behavior as we can, to forcefully shove those temptations away, and to be watchful for the good of ourselves and others. God will bless us as we make an effort to do His will. And He promises us that if we do, He will strengthen us and give us joyful hearts and clean consciences, which makes for happy living.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3 KJV.

“If  you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10 NKJV.

When the going gets tough, consider the following passage in which God is speaking to your heart, and mine:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV.

We must have faith that God can and will help us defeat our enemy, and strengthen us so that we can live as He knows is best for us. He will show us the way to that narrow gate. In the long run, it will bring to us happiness, and health, and a true joy in Jesus.

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Copyright © 2012 by Elaine Egbert

God Is Near to Those Who Call on Him

Are you stressed out? Mourning? Burdened with non-ending problems?  I’ve been through times like those—times that left me feeling heavy-hearted and oh so alone. But I learned something important, and the quote below explains it so much better than I can! The truth of the matter is that we really don’t have to face our problems alone! It’s an old old story, but thankfully it can be fresh and new and personal each day! Read on….

 ”God is pleased when we keep our faces turned toward the Sun of Righteousness. . . . When we are in trouble and pressed down with anxiety, the Lord is near, and He bids us cast all our care upon Him, because He cares for us. . . .

“He comes to all His children in their affliction. In time of danger He is their refuge. In sorrow, He offers them joy and consolation. Shall we turn from the Redeemer, the fountain of living water, to hew [carve] out for ourselves broken cisterns [wells], which can hold no water? When danger approaches, shall we seek for help from those as weak as ourselves, or shall we flee to Him who is mighty to save? His arms are open wide, and He utters the gracious invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” . . . .

“It is not the manifestation of His great and awful majesty and unparalleled power that will leave us without excuse if we refuse Him our love and obedience. It is the love, the compassion, the patience, the long-suffering that He has shown which will witness against those who do not offer Him the willing service of their lives. Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peaceful security. . . .

“He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He will give us grace to endure every trial and test that he brings upon us. . . . Every provision has been made to meet the needs of our spiritual and our moral nature. . . . Light and immortality are brought to light through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus has said that He has set before us an open door, and no man can shut it. The open door is before us, and through the grace of Christ, beams of merciful light stream forth from the gates ajar.”

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145:18.

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Quoted material by Ellen G. White: (E. G. White manuscript, 1892, and Youth Instructor, June 28, 1894.). Used by permission.

A Touch of Love

In Bible times those who had leprosy were considered the lowest of the low. Not only did they become increasingly deformed because of their malady, they were thought to be vile sinners that had done something so wicked that God cursed them with the eating-away disease.

When the tell-tale white spot appeared upon their hand or leg or foot everyone withdrew from them with a sense of panicked revulsion, and shooed them off to whatever corner of the area was reserved for such untouchables. Wives, torn between a new distrust of their husbands and the love they felt for them, bid their bread-winners goodbye, knowing that they would never again be close enough for intimate conversations or pleasant family times. Over and over again the scene was played out with men and women, and sometimes even children. And the heartbreak that surrounded the scenes was crushing.

Imagine being the one upon whom a spot of leprosy was found. Perhaps life had been going well, you worked hard every day, had a little home and growing family. You were respected among your peers. You tried to do what God asked of you, but then one evening, in preparing for your night’s rest, you notice a numbness in a finger. Upon examining it you find a white spot that hadn’t been there before. In shock you stare at place. It can’t be! you think, mentally pushing swarming thoughts from your mind. What sin have you committed that would cause God to set this plague upon you?

Then you laugh at yourself. I’m only imagining things. It’s only a speck, and it will be gone in the morning. You continue preparations for sleep—making sure everything is well with everyone in the house, and bidding your wife a hasty good night. And all the while you keep your hand out of sight.

In the morning it’s still there. Without sharing your thoughts, you put on an act of coldness to keep at arm’s length from your family. Leprosy is very contagious. You wouldn’t want to hurt your children—your wife. And so you become aloof in order to keep them away. And as the days pass, you know that you must go to see the Priest for his proclamation regarding your cleanness.

The Priest looks and your hand, and then looks through you, as it were, trying to discover the sin that you have committed. An urgency develops. “You must leave our community,” he states. And those words mark your doom.

Tearful goodbyes to the ones you love follow, and with only what you have on your back, and perhaps your blanket and a small supply of food, you hasten away from the community, head hanging with shame. You hope against hope not to meet anyone your know as you scurry into the countryside to the leper’s quarters.

The months and years pass. The spot on your finger has enveloped much of your hand, and there are spots elsewhere on your body now, too. You live for the days that your wife comes to the brow of the hill and sets a package of food there for you to retrieve. You call back and forth to one another, gleaning each other’s news. There is no privacy. Everyone around can hear all you say. You long to hug your wife, for the joy of one human touch. Oh to see your children again, to feel their little arms around your neck! But you know it will never be. So, with the weight of loneliness in the pit of your stomach, you watch your wife disappear, and when enough time has elapsed you go to pick up what she’s left for you. The lepers are now your family, and somehow you settle in.

Sometimes it’s necessary to go from one place to another. When that happens, and you near areas where there are people, you must shout out the despised words, Unclean! Unclean!  And you try not to let it tear at your heart when you see people scatter to make way for you pass by. You can’t help but see the fear and suspicion written on the faces of those who hurry away from you. And you still wonder what you did to cause it all. You may have white spots on your skin, but a black loneliness fills your heart, leaving you with your constant companion, Despair. You are Untouchable! No future, no hope, no nothing, simply marking time until you can sink into the oblivion of death.

Such it was when Jesus lived upon this earth. His heart went out to each person who suffered, not only from leprosy, but from other maladies of the day. With love and caring he healed many who came to Him.

One day, a leper, living through the horridness of his disease and the separation from everyone he loved, took a chance. He recognized the man Jesus at the edge of a crowd of people who pressed in close to Him. A glimmer of hope stirred him, and he did the unthinkable. Eyes upon Jesus, he headed toward Him, automatically calling out Unclean!

As usual, the crowd scattered. Grumbles, hateful looks, mothers snatching up their young children—all the things that usually cut him to the heart, these were not his focus now.

There ahead of him, was the face of Jesus. Tears of hope in his throat, he stopped a few feet from Jesus.

Let’s pick up the story from Mark 1:40-45ESV.

“Then a leper came to Him [Jesus], imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus, moved with compassion, put out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed. As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.”

Jesus did not recoil from this leper. Instead, he closed the gap between them, and reached out and actually touched him! A touch of love. The first touch from a well person he had felt for many years!

Instantly the disease was gone! The healed man looked up at the smiling Savior and met His gaze with joy and thankfulness before heading to the priest to be pronounced clean and thus be free to resume his former station in life.

We may be awash in heavy problems of our own. There may seem no way out. Perhaps we have habits that have taken us from wellness to an undesirable condition in our lives. Maybe there are things in our life that we know are not right, but we are unable to break away from them. Or perhaps financial woes have altered our lives, or separation from our loved ones has occurred. When things like these happen to us, it is easy to feel like God has turned His back upon us—and that we are viewed as unclean by those around us.

But Jesus’ compassion for us is not far away. He alone can bring comfort and direction to our lives, and set us on a favorable pathway again. When we give Him our hearts completely, and press close to Him, He will help us to know what we need to do to remedy our circumstances. He will touch our hearts and direct our thoughts, giving us comfort and joy again. He will give us His touch of love.

Only trust. Ask. Believe. And claim His promises to help you.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Copyright © 2012, by Elaine Egbert

A Gift of Love

 

Kizzy

This is a story of courage, loss, compassion, and chivalry. I want to share it with you.

On the afternoon of March 10, 2012, my husband, Bob, and I, took our 13-year-old Vizsla pooch to a natural hiking area we frequent several times a week. Kizzy is a rescue dog from the local Humane Society, and she’s held our hearts for 11 years now. Though her age had slowed her down a bit, Kizzy was so happy to have a chance to sniff along the pathways “looking for the birdies” after being indoors for most of the day. We were glad, too, for we all enjoy the hilly trails, lake, and wildlife in that area. 

I took my camera and was snapping pictures of “leftovers”; you know, things still around at the end of the winter such as dry leaves clinging to skinny branches, and grasses gone to seed.  My lingering put me quite a way behind Bob and Kizzy, and they were out of sight. When I stopped shooting and rounded a bend in the path, Kizzy finally spied me. From some deep spot down within her, she rustled up a long-reserved bit of puppy energy and raced down the pathway to greet me. Bob called to her, but it was useless, for she’s been deaf for about a year. 

Kizzy had never looked more energetic or happier as she galloped down the pathway toward me! Arriving, she planted a muddy paw on my knee and bounced back with a quick turn to race back up the trail to Bob. When she arrived she stopped in the middle of the pathway, her legs spread wide to balance herself. She stood with head drooping, and panted. I knew the look. She had overdone. Instantly I ran to where she and Bob waited. 

Kizzy immediately sagged against my knees, as she had done a few times before when getting excited and overdoing. I supported her, stroking her, waiting for her little “spell” to pass. Then, gently she lowered herself into the weeds at the side of the path and stared across the terrain. Her head began to nod, and so I helped her lie flat. She briefly looked up at me with the warmth of love still burning, then put her head back down. Ten minutes later it was all over. As Kizzy passed into oblivion, we stayed close, loving, encouraging, and petting her. She seemed to have no pain. She was simply finished. 

I stood alone with our precious girl for a long time as Bob, who was thoroughly crushed, headed back to the car to get a doggie blanket so we could carry her out. The rawness of my grief was held at bay with the realization that she had made a very pointed effort to give us a final goodbye before she laid down her life. Her last gift of love to us was her energetic race with wholehearted, gleeful greetings. The beauty and charm of her friendly-to-everyone life graced even those final moments. 

Presently a youthful stranger and his dog pushed through the bushes and stood by my side. Two others followed. Andrew and his two friends, Nick and Joe, had happened upon Bob on the trail. Learning of our trouble, they offered to come the mile plus to where Kizzy and I waited to help carry her out. Soon another young man sped up on his bike to deliver Kizzy’s blanket, for wheels are faster than feet. I regret that I do not know his name. Fred, a lone hiker, came upon us about the same time, and stayed close to offer help, as well. 

Andrew and I gently rolled Kizzy onto the blanket, her makeshift litter. Then he and his friend, Nick, grasped the corners of the blanket and started up the narrow pathway with our precious 60-pound girl. Joe, Fred, and I followed. 

It was getting dark. As we chatted I learned that Andrew was a returned-from-Iraq GI who had been seriously wounded, not by gunshot but by concussion from a too-close blast. He remarked that the concussion had somehow damaged things inside his head and had affected his ability to process things clearly at times—a disability that made it difficult for him to work and had retired him from the Army. Nick and Fred spelled each other off on one end of the litter, for it was a long walk holding onto corners of a small, heavy-laden blanket. But Andrew refused to be spelled off, determined to see his task through to the very end. I remarked that the blast may have altered his ability to process information, but it certainly had not diminished his capacity for compassion. He was a true soldier, going above and beyond duty—a selfless soldier that we can all be proud to have in our community. 

From this experience I have once again learned that chivalry is not dead. Young men who owed two grieving strangers nothing gave of their time and energy to do what they could to help. We will ever be grateful to them for letting their lives touch ours in such a gentle way in our time of sorrow and need. 

Someday those who put their lives in God’s hands will no longer have to face the sorrows of a sinful world that suffers from diminished energy, death, war, and loss, for the victory over these tragedies has been won by Jesus. With that victory rests the promise of a happy home in Heaven at the end of all things. But until that time, we are so thankful that there are gracious, caring people who are willing to give of themselves to ease others’ burdens. May the lives of those unselfish strangers who helped us be blessed, and the memory of their caring encourage us to reach out to others who need a helping hand. 

“He [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NKJV 

“For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 KJV 

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Copyright © 2012 by Elaine Egbert

I Have Never Seen Jesus

 

I have never seen Jesus. Not with my eyes, that is. 

I have, however, felt His nearness when I’ve struggled with a problem too heavy for me to handle alone. I have seen His mercy in action as my sick child writhed in pain, then recovered, and ended out as good as new. I have sensed His presence when battling with self-concept issues that threatened to tear me apart.

I have noticed His behind-the-scenes work when He made sure there was food on our table and fuel in our tank in spite of scant funds. I have witnessed His anonymous help in working through others who somehow were impressed to mail an envelope that contained much-needed cash.

I have felt His gentle guidance as I read in the Bible of His love and care for us all, and when I found His kindly instructions for me. I have realized His concern for me in even little things like locating my misplaced glasses, or safely retrieving a purse left behind in a store. I have been awed by His handiwork as I’ve climbed mountains or puddled along gurgling creeks, or poked into tide pools. And the message of love I absorb from being in the beautiful outdoors helps confirm that He cares for all His creation, majestic or insignificant.

Sometimes I am tempted to feel that life is not worth the living. Things end out badly, and I haven’t the energy to plod on. Then, somehow, in His very special way, He fills my mind with encouraging thoughts about His kindness and wisdom, and gives me second wind. He lets me know that I’m not alone, and He will gladly help me through whatever issue I must struggle.

No, I haven’t seen Jesus with my eyes. Not yet. But the day will come. 

Someday, enveloped in heavenly clouds, He’ll stand before us, His eager voice calling to us, and His strong arms reaching for us. At that moment all His promises will be fulfilled, and we will live with Him in glad happiness forevermore. Then, when remembering this shadowy time on earth, I will realize that I really did see Jesus in so many special ways. I saw Him with my heart and soul. And in the smile of someone who cared enough to extend a helping hand to me. And that kind of seeing is definitely believing! 

“But my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV

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Copyright © 2012 Elaine Egbert

What Does “Believe in God” Mean, Anyway?

  

Belief is something that we each use in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of the process, for we take so many things for granted. For instance, 

When we need to go somewhere, we believe that the car will start, so we turn the key in the ignition;
When it’s time to pay our credit card bill, we believe that our on-line bank will deposit our funds to the right account, so we click “send” to make the transfer;
In the evening when we go to the kitchen for a snack, we believe that the light works. So, without hesitation we flip the switch;
When a trusted friend tells us he will meet us at a certain place, we believe what he says, and so we head out to join him. 

In each of the above examples our belief prompted us to take a specific action. We didn’t just sit in the car holding the key, expecting to arrive at our destination. Instead, we placed the key in the ignition, and then turned that key to start and drive the car. 

We, who are Christians, talk about believing in Jesus and in God.  In fact, we often quote one of the most well-known promises in the Bible, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). But what does believing in God actually entail? Is it merely knowledge that He is real and is up there in the great somewhere? Or is it more than that? 

Jesus said, “I say unto you, whoever believes in me, will also do the works that I do” John 14:12 ESV. 

So, what works did Jesus do? Why, He did good to others, He showed His love to His Father, God, by praying to Him for guidance and strength, and by following His will. He asked God for direction in His work, and He lived a life of unselfish kindness. These are things Jesus wants us to do, also. 

Next, Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments” John 14:15 ESV.  And a few verses later he made a promise we can claim: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings” John 14:23, 24 ESV. 

So, believing in Jesus requires an action from us, just as starting our car requires an action. It requires accepting His lifestyle, and accepting Him as our Savior—keeping in close connection with Him and with God. It includes trust that He will be true to His promises to guide us and be with us. 

But there is a little more. Because Jesus wants to save us, we are given instructions in His Holy Word, the Bible, or the Scriptures. We are told, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” Acts 3:19 KJV. This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that we are sinners, and also accepts Jesus loving gift for us on the Cross.

Therefore, when we truly believe, we will follow through with purposeful actions. We will repent–or be sorry–for the sins we have committed, and we will ask God to forgive us, and help us to do better from day to day. We will ask Him to root all evil desires from our hearts, and will do our part by staying away from places and things that tempt us to do wrong. We will learn to love to read His word and to think about Him and communicate with Him in frequent prayer. 

Someday, Jesus will come in the clouds of the sky to resurrect those who have died loving Him. He will give them new and perfect bodies, and will take them home to heaven with Him. Those who are dedicated to living for Him and are still alive when He comes, will be made anew and taken with Him, also. At that point, those faithful ones will be given the gift of eternal life, meaning they will live forever with God and Jesus, in a perfect place, and never have to face death, sorrow, or separation again. 

But there’s more good news! Jesus doesn’t leave us alone in the here and now to battle our way through this sinful world. The truth is that as we yield to God, He gives us the power to live a victorious Christian life. First Corinthains 10:13 ESV tells us that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” What more could we ask? 

It is a challenge to live up to all that God wants us to be. But if we are willing, and dedicate ourselves to staying close to Him in every way, He will help us to do it. That is a wonderful promise, one I want to claim.

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Copyright © 2012 Elaine Egbert

Our Sleepless God

Things are moving and changing pretty fast in this old world of ours. Sometimes it’s enough to baffle even the most courageous of us. As one person put it,

“Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don’t worry–God never blinks!”

God’s promise about His wakefulness is the antidote to whatever problems and stresses we may experience. The Bible says:

“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalm 121:4

Since all believers actually become members of spiritual Israel through Jesus Christ, this verse pertains to you and me, even if we aren’t of the Jewish nation or faith! As you go about your business today, and after you slide between your sheets tonight, remember that caring eyes are watching you, and that you are never really alone. He will carry you through.