Which Path to Choose?

Have you ever heard about the narrow gate? The one that leads to life and few enter it. Why do so few enter it? I think I know. We are studying this in Sunday school. We had a great discussion about it today. One of the reasons why I love my students so much is because they are searching for answers of truth. They want to figure it out and I love working through the gospel with them. They are learning, as am I, that there is a cost to pay to be a disciple of Christ. Few enter because they either don't want to pay the price, or they don't understand the cost. The thing I stressed to my students today and that I would like to stress to you readers is this: there is a difference between Jesus as Saviour and Jesus as Lord. To know Him as Saviour is to know that you have eternal life and will never face death because He was the Victor over death. He conquered the grave after taking on your sin, and thus paved the way for you to go to heaven. He saved you from hell, from condemnation, and from eternal separation from God, your Creator. He is Saviour. Now, to know Him as Lord is such a different scenario. Lord, as described by my students is Boss, Master, Leader. This is someone in charge. I challenged them to look at their life and see if He is in charge or if they are. I believe this is one reason why only few are on the narrow path. It's the inability or lack of desire to give up and let go of the responsibilities of life so that a higher power can take over. To many, that's not appealing. But to say that you are a Christian is not to be saved only. It is also to be submitted to One who is over all. Romans 10:9 says, "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved". Mark 8:34 teaches that there are 3 things that must take place to be a follower/disciple of Christ: deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. To make Him Lord is to deny yourself. That is the price you must pay. I have to admit it is a lot better than eternal death. I'd rather die daily for Christ to live in me than to die a final death at the end and to never know life again. So I've chosen to make Him Lord. Actually I've chosen to allow His Lordship, to accept it. He is Lord no matter what our choices are. So I pay the cost. I challenge my students to consider the cost, but to also consider the consequence. Matthew 7:13 reveals to us that the wide path, which many are on, leads to destruction, but the narrow path leads to life. I ask them "which are you on?" and I ask you the same.

A Very Special Night

Macie and her daddy just after the baptism

The supportive family

So, here's the story:
Macie has always been of her own breed. We aren't sure what breed that is exactly but we know a few other kids from the same one, so that's comforting. She is definitely classified as a "strong willed personality", but her behaviors are extreme. Through the many challenges we have faced in parenting, our number one goal has always been that she know God. Not just know about Him, but know Him in her own heart, not through us but through her own personal relationship with Him. Since submission is such a struggle for her, it has concerned me at times how she would be able to "deny herself, take up her cross, and follow Him". I mean really and truly, isn't that the hardest thing for anyone to do? But, back in October, after having quite a duel with her, God opened her mind to an understanding of Him that she had not had before. It was the kind of understanding that enables one to realize that he/she will never be able to get it right on their own. You have to submit to God for His goodness to prevail in you. When she came to that conclusion, it was in that moment that my daughter became eternally connected with myself, her dad, and her brother. Nothing would ever separate us. Isn't that beautiful? I don't mean in an "aw...sweet" kind of way. I mean in the way that God provides salvation for us all and through that, there is never separation for Him or from anyone in the family of God. We now have a household of believers, and though we are only 4, we are a mighty force for Him. I rejoiced for so many reasons last night as I sat in the front pew with my eyes heavy with tears. I watched my husband, who struggled for years with his career b/c he was unable to recognize God's call on his life, step into a baptismal pool beside his longtime friend and pastor, and then take his daughter by the hand as she declared to her little world that she loved Jesus and was gonna live her life for him. I watched her as she stepped into that water with sheer joy that she had been expressing all day long, knowing she knew full well what she was experiencing. I looked to one side of me and saw my parents and brother in law, my son, and my nephews sharing the same joy as I. I looked to the other side and saw my in-laws sitting with pride and joy as their son and their granddaughter shared in that moment together. Then directly to my right sat some of my 7th graders supporting me and sharing the moment with my family and I. Have I mentioned before how much I love them! I think I have. Anyway, as my husband lowered my daughter into that water symbolizing the new life she had attained through Jesus Christ I was overcome with peace. Overcome with gratefulness. Overcome with humility. Overcome with the greatness of God. I praise His name today, and everyday. I hope I never forget the moment of this very special night, when I and those I love witnessed God's life giving power. Last thought: Eternal Life, it's yours for the taking!
Romans 10:9-10

A New Look

Hope everyone likes it!

Discipleship-It's On!!

Yes, I finally got it going! I have been waiting for an opportunity, and the right group, to come so that I could get a discipleship group started. It was all in God's timing and His perfect planning. We officially started this past Sunday. What a treat it was to have 4 incredible students in my home. This is definitely a highlight in my week. Starting this week I will have 5, the whole group.
This is how it works:
We meet every Sunday night in my home. This is so that they can see what a Christian home looks like outside of church and their own homes. I want them to see that besides their own homes, others are trying to live Godly lives too, and that it's not just a church thing or only something their parents are doing. We are all on the same path.
It is a commitment. They can't use excuses for not coming. "I had homework to do, so I couldn't come" is unacceptable. If it is important to them, they will do what they need to do to be there every week.
It is a closed group, no visitors. This is to ensure complete openness and confidentiality.
It is consistent. We will continue to meet in this setting until they graduate or the Lord tells me to do something different. Also, I want them to see that there are people who will stick by them through all of life's journeys.
Spiritual Growth is expected. This means that they have to participate and be held accountable for their part of the Christian walk.
What we do: eat and fellowship, then Bible study and prayer. The moms are alternating bringing meals which is such a blessing.
So this is discipleship. My prayer is that maybe some of you who are reading would be led to do the same kind of thing with students you work with.
It is so incredible to be able to love and be loved by students who love Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.