Good Way First

This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah6:16NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… Matthew6:33NIV

There are many ways out there, and when you are young there is the tendency to try a few of them without thinking of the consequences, or where they will end up. Everyone who is older, has been young once, but sometimes our younger folks don’t realise that, or they seem to think it was different way back then in the dark ages! Spoiler alert. It wasn’t any different!

The saying ‘older and wiser’ is there for a reason, and should not be discounted. Wiser doesn’t mean educated with a diploma, but experienced by virtue of the school of hard knocks graduated with a first class honours degree. I don’t say every older person has tried every road or path in life, but between us we have walked a good few. Bad destinations that you don’t recognise while you are having fun. Rough terrain but you know you can handle it. Peaks and hills that tire you out, but don’t worry there’s always tomorrow morning to sleep it off. And you will always find ‘friends’ who will help you try out as many of these paths as you can, after all you are only young once, right? Yes, I have heard it before.

You don’t really need to know it from the Bible although it is very clear there, but that piece of common sense we all have tells us that it is better to find the good way, and not to waste our life searching for the best of a bad bunch of misleading paths. Can I let you into a secret? Taking the good way really doesn’t rob you of fun, or a worthwhile experience. It’s true. The Bible puts it as ‘rest for your souls’ but that can’t be a bad thing, can it? Who, in this life, doesn’t want some peace at any age?

The key question is how do we find that good way, and know it for sure? Spoiler alert number 2. It’s using more common sense, but it might help to know the rest of the text at the top of the post. You don’t need to be educated to understand the meaning, so here it is…..

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew6:33NIV. Now tell me, how good is that? I’ll tell you, it’s unbeatable!

Lamp and Light

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV

How much light do we need on our path? Or let me ask that another way. How much light do you WANT on your path? That’s a whole different thing, isn’t it? When we see what is happening on the world stage, do we really want to know for sure how it will all work out? I’m not sure my nerves would hold out if the news is bad, I mean really bad, and let’s face it, that is possible bearing in mind our world leaders.

But we have a gracious God who will allow us to see that part of the path we are on. No more, and certainly not so much that we couldn’t handle it. Knowing the present is enough trouble for most us already. The worries and cares of this life affect us all, and none more so than health. We will know of those who are suffering badly, in fact we may be in that situation ourselves. We usually don’t want to know how it will all end and our God is protecting us by showing only that part of our journey we need to see.

The end of the path could be a few steps away, and yet it might be a long time unfolding. The burden and worry of those possibly tough years ahead is something we don’t need to have on our minds. God knows this and provides the best answer for His children. The old song sums it up as the world sees it:

One day at a time sweet Jesus, That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength, To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way, One day at a time.

But I think Jesus puts it best when He shows His love for us in this verse:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

The Journey - Nearing the End

When the sight of the summit comes into view, perhaps as you climb over a hillock, you find yourself smiling and getting an inner strength to make the final push to the peak. You know it will be worth it, partly because of the effort you have put in already, and partly due to the fact that in spite of the sore feet and legs, the sense of accomplishment is very real. And at this point, any pain is forgotten, and you can only see the summit. You are not quite there yet.

Have you been in the room of someone who is at the final part of their life’s journey, but haven’t quite reached the end? My experience has shown that there are folks who have made up their mind to be the kind of pilgrim who have an assurance that God will say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of heaven”. Being in the presence of a saint going home is an experience never to be forgotten. Sadly, there are some others who do not have that same peace, and the end of the road is clouded, dark, and uncertain.

The kind of journey’s end you and I will face is the result of our own choices down the years we have been given, until we got to this point. I have known many people who never gave their ‘ending’ much thought while they had the time, and when time was running out, they panicked. A few made a good end, but most didn’t. How about you?

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. Now, a prize is waiting for me—the crown that will show I am right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give it to me on that Day. Yes, he will give it to me and to everyone else who is eagerly looking forward to his coming. 2 Timothy 4:7,8

The Journey - Fearful

Not all journeys are carefree. Take those who decide to cross a hot barren desert on foot? Or those who stretch themselves to their limits of endurance by swimming the channel? What about mountaineers who are always looking for the next challenge? Then there are the really crazy folks who go on an adventure headlong from bridge to valley by bungee jumping? In every one of these events there is an element of fear. Some greater than others, but the fear is there and that is what drives them on to greater risks.

Our faith journey is not always straightforward. There are times when we have to step out in a great act of faith the likes of which we have never thought possible before. A new job. Are we up to the challenge of our environment and will our testimony remain? Illness or disease takes hold, and the outlook is not good. Are we able for the unknowns which must lie ahead? Embarking on a marriage to someone you love dearly, but how can I measure up to the job spec of spouse, friend, homemaker, breadwinner, parent? I don’t know any newlywed who not only starts out excited, but also fearful because they have not walked this path before.

I am amazed at the number of times Jesus said to his disciples, “Fear not”. They needed it, and so we too need to hear it today. “Fear not” the illness, the new job, the role of husband or wife, I can hear Him say. Our heads know God is greater than our problems, but it needs to drop that all important and essential 10 inches into our heart.

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

The Journey - Detour

I hate it. You get onto a familiar and well known road, put your mind into neutral, and start thinking of all the things you want and need to do for the day. It’s easy to take this road, because you have taken it a hundred times. And then you see the sign ‘Detour Ahead’! Now you have to start to rethink your route and fast!


You are in uncharted territory, and in an unknown place. Even with a compass and map it is hard to find your bearings. It’s so easy to miss the way back onto the road that leads to our destination. Our earthly detours are no different from our spiritual ones. We get muddled in our thinking so easily, and sometimes wonder why we were brought down this way. What’s your detour? Illness, finances, death of a friend or family member, even doubts of church and faith? There are more, but you can insert your own spiritual detour.


One thing is certain, to get back onto the right road for our eternal destination, we must follow the signs. In our case those signs can be from good trusted friends, a pastor, the small voice of conscience, but mostly God’s Word which will get you home every time! And by the way, you’re not the only one who has ever suffered the wilderness of a detour!!


There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 16:25

The Journey - Lost

You are having a great trek through some of God’s greatest handiwork, whether mountain, valley or meadow and your walking companion just won’t shut up. That sounds unkind, but you must know what I mean. The two of you have peeled off from the rest of the group, and while you want to drink in the beauty of creation, your companion wants to talk and talk and talk! To make matters worse, when you do try to get into the conversation, it becomes very noticeable that your thoughts are not seen as important. In fact as you talk, your friend is already deciding what they will say next.

Have you ever wondered why some friends lose their way in their own Spiritual journey through life? I have noticed that we have a habit of asking God to step into a situation, and before He can guide us with His answer, we are already mouthing the next request having decided we know how to fix the first problem on our own. We don’t like it when that happens to us, so I wonder how God feels when we do it to Him?

Have you noticed that bad listening companions have few real friends?

To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13

The Journey - Peace

One of the greatest benefits of a journey, whether on foot, car, ship, or by air, is the sense of peace it affords. Usually, a journey or voyage is undertaken as part of a holiday, and part of the pleasure is the journey itself. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy or even expensive, for example a long quiet walk in the countryside. Peace is hard to come by when we are engrossed in our everyday lives of work and responsibilities which can be a burden.

However at Christmas, we tend to set our pressures aside and enjoy the journey through the month of Advent right up to the Holy day of Christ’s incarnation, and that same Spirit will even linger for some days afterwards, as we finish off the leftovers of our big Christmas dinner.

I watch the news, as you do too, and there is little evidence of peace in our world today. There are many, far too many, wars, famines, and terrorist attacks that we can ask ourselves, where is this peace of the Christmas Child? The scenes we see on the manger are so quiet, happy and peaceful that we can be forgiven for missing the tragedy of the world outside that little stable scene. Because even in His birth there were tragedies and much slaughter of innocents. So I find myself asking, where is this peace that was promised, and then I remember it is IN the baby, not around the Christmas season, or even the pursuit of a peace treaty. We can only see and know real peace when we, and the world, see who the bringer of peace is. I believe if we all believed in the Baby who became our resurrected Saviour, there would be no war. The absence of war, ultimately brings peace as these verses clearly show:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

The Journey - Alone in a Crowd

In any walking group, there will always be that one person not walking with the rest, but slightly off to one side, and not really a part of the main conversations. They will have signed up for the walk, probably for the fresh air and exercise, but there is not much interaction with the others. In fact, they will have real friends in that group, but some will walk alone. Are they being antisocial? Rude? Or maybe they don’t relate well to the route or the small talk? Whatever we think of their actions, let’s not be too harsh on them or rush to judgement.

It is possible to be lonely in a crowd, and even within a group of good friends. The reasons can be many and varied, but at the core there is a human being feeling very much on their own. Perhaps due to a recently diagnosed illness of a family member or even themselves, or maybe due to the raw memory of an anniversary which was life changing and one that may have happened years ago. Sometimes both good and bad memories have the same effect of us wanting to step outside the group for a while.

Christmas is a happy time for families, and groups of friends, and it is the season for church fellowship evenings, when fun and laughter is the normal and expected fare. As walkers on the journey of life, in a strange way, this can be almost unbearable for some good Christian folks. Yes even those who value their faith completely and sincerely, and are well aware of the significance of the baby in the manger. If you see, or suspect some friend struggle with the season, why not draw alongside? Not to speak nice words of comfort or wisdom, but just to show without a lot of speaking that you care. That can mean the difference between a bad Christmas, and a bearable Christmas to your friend.

The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged. Good people might have many problems, but the Lord will take them all away. Psalm 34:18,19

The Journey - Part Way

You have a 12 mile walk or hike to the top, and you get half way. One of two things can happen. Either you are so encouraged at the progress you have made, it makes you look forward to the next part … OR you are footsore, weary, and thirsty because you have drunk all the water already, and you dread the remaining trek to the summit. The pictures in the brochure or map looked good, but you hadn’t accounted for the pain and blisters.

This is the dangerous time. It will take you the same time to get back to the safety of the car, as it will to continue up. If you turn back, you know you will feel defeated but you are so very tired. One thing is certain. You can’t stay where you are. You either go up or down, and the choice is yours alone.

At this point it is always a good thing to sit down, and drink in the view. Did I really make it to this point, and seeing the scenery from this height is spectacular. As you take your time to take in the view and rest, you wonder at creation. How can there NOT be a God? Someone is responsible for this panorama, because you realise again that it didn’t all happen by accident, or the randomness of evolution. Before you know it, you are refreshed and ready to carry on.

So too with our journey heavenward. Partway to our destination, we might get discouraged. Maybe it’s a family illness, or a death, or a financial difficulty you hadn’t planned for. In any case we falter. Right then, we need to sit down, and drink from the memories you have of the many promises God has already kept, and His provision in the past as you travelled to this point. He always saw you through bad times before, so why would God not see you to the summit from this point of despair too? Bring those Bible verses you memorised in Sunday School to mind, and look up. You might even want to pray, and why not? After a breather, and a rest, things can look clearer and before you know it you are on your feet ready to climb again!

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Matthew 11:28 Msg

The Journey - Time to Think

Perhaps the greatest benefit in walking or climbing a hill, is that it gives you time to think. Time to forget the daily grind for a while, clear your mind, breathe in the good fresh air, and let your mind become free. It is amazing how relaxed and happy it makes you feel.

In our journey heavenward, we need to get away too. Work will drag us down, and even a good home life takes effort to keep you positive. Church, and its programs will drain you if you get involved in too much, and more so if you start to believe that everything will fall down round your ears if it wasn’t for your efforts. What would they do without me, you may find yourself asking?

The Scripture is not silent on this. There are times we need a holiday from work, and in the same way there are times we need a break from the same old, same old, church routine. Oh no, did I really just say that? Which then is better, being fresh in God’s work, or running yourself ragged and being no good to anyone? We are told clearly that there IS a way to be Godly, and also to be content. Timothy was a young pastor and his mentor Paul helped him by advising that not only is Godliness and contentment possible, there is a massive benefit to the child of God.

So, climb that hill. Take that walk. Breathe the freshness of new air once in a while and when you do, refresh and renew your thoughts towards your heavenly goal. This journey needs you to be as fresh as possible!

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6

The Journey - Starting Out

We all have to start our journey somewhere, and at a time of our choosing if we want to make the best of it. Don’t misunderstand me, we are all on a journey, but sometimes there comes a point when we make a conscious and deliberate effort to change course for the better, or at least recognise the course you have set until now has to be put right, and now you have started out on your true journey.

There was a time when I loved to go hill walking. Nothing severe, just a Corbett, or maybe a slow Munro, but preparation was made before we got to the foot of the hill. What was the weather going to be like? Were the boots still fit for the job? Did I have the map and compass in the backpack, and while I was at it, were the batteries in the torch still ok? What about the whistle should we need to attract attention in the unplanned event of an emergency. Could we complete the walk or climb in daylight? There are so many things to consider.

How much more then should we pay attention to the Spiritual journey we are all on. Oh, you may not claim to be religious, but I have been to so many funerals recently to realise that some journeys do not end well. We must prepare, and prepare like it matters. What then do we check into our heavenly backpack? How about some Bible memory verses? A lot of prayer. A warm smile and a positive disposition, after all who would want to journey with a grouch? Some good advice would be great, especially from someone who had been ‘on the way’ a lot longer, and could tell you the pitfalls, and the places to avoid. The greatest thing you can pack is a great big dollop of love. Love for fellow travellers, and even those who will be watching as you set off. It also helps if you pack a healthy respect or fear of the unknowns which you will undoubtedly face. In short, you need understanding and wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10  

Life IS a Journey!

Time passes surely and steadily with every birthday and anniversary, so in keeping with the title of this blog, I thought it would be a good thing to remind ourselves of the journey ahead that we all face. Our hopes, dreams, and chosen paths are different, but we are all on a journey whether we like it or not. In the months to come, let’s have a look at some of the highs and lows of this trip which we all face, and if you want to comment about your own experiences, you can do this on the parent blog page.

There is not a day goes by that you will not be faced with a decision which will affect the remainder of that day, perhaps the week, or indeed even longer. We must be careful then as we travel and interact with others who are on their own personal journey because there is an element of choice in the travelling we do. For some, it is a casual but healthy, non risk, walking exercise, but for others it will be like scaling a mountain. There are many types of journey in between these extremes, and I hope we can look at some of these through a spiritual lens.

If you read the Gospels you will soon realise that Jesus was on a journey for all of His 33 years while He was in an earthly body. He suffered many things, physical and emotional, and came out on top with the greatest miracle of all time. He defeated satan and death, and that is our total encouragement as we travel this life. So, let’s see what we can discover. Stay with me, and follow along as we explore that fact that “Life IS a Journey”!

He [Jesus] said to them, “When you travel, don’t take a walking stick. Also, don’t carry a bag, food, or money. Take for your trip only the clothes you are wearing. Luke 9:3

Christmas is Past!

So Christmas is over for another year! All the preparations, all the shopping, all the big dinners, eating too much, and all the family times together playing games with the children. Sometimes I wonder who the kids really are? Great as all these things are, they are soon over, and we are left with the cleaning up, and discarded wrapping paper to get to the recycling bin.


For many, Christ wasn't a part of their Christmas, and it would have been replaced with an 'Xmas' or another seasonal name. That is fine, and is a personal choice, but we are faced with another of those reminders now, of what we do with our lives in the coming year. New Year 2010 is a time to look back on the last year, and look ahead to the next. What will we make of that? A believer, or not, we usually find the better part inside us, and want to make the new year different, and hopefully our 'resolutions' will be kept! For our sakes, and for others.   
We are faced with another of those life's choices at a time like this. Do we try to be better people or just leave it all as it was last year? When we look back, we see things which we could have done differently, with the benefit of hindsight. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we don't get it until it is too late!

This year, let's take the opportunities when they come our way, learn from the past year, and don't make the same mistakes again. Sounds easy, but fraught with danger. Take care as you step into the new year, and if you have a faith, then hold tight. It might be quite a journey!