Don’t Slip Off The Path

Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

As tempting as it is to focus on Revelation and the end times with what we see rolling out in current events,

we must be focused and prepared for the Rapture.

Our attention needs to be more of what is going on in our heart rather than what is going on around us.

Yes, we should be aware of the times we are living in.

We are commanded to do so:

Jeremiah 8:7 (KJV) Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

Matthew 16:2-3 (KJV) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (KJV) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

But we MUST also be aware of what is happening in our heart.

Are we slipping away from God?

Are we focusing on the wrong things in this life?

Don’t forget, the whole purpose of coming to Jesus and living for Him is to be with Him forever.

I don’t want to miss that by being sidetracked with the cares of this life.

I’m reminded of the allegorical story of Pilgrims progress where “Christian” has to walk the straight narrow path, while wild animals were chained and coming at him on both sides.

The animals were trying to get to him and startle him, in order to get him to move from one side or the other. therefore, losing his place on the straight path.

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We must not be persuaded to move off the path of holiness and dedication to God.

As Christians, we are aware of our surroundings in these last days.

All of what is happening is a reminder that we are close to the Coming of Christ

It’s a reminder that we need to prepare for a MOVE!

We are about to be called up! Raptured!

We have to have our “spiritual ears” on full alert.

Continuing to dive deep in the Word of God

Seeking Jesus and listening for His voice in our life

Prepared to give an account and defend the Word of God

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

We also must prepare to give an account of ourselves:

Romans 14:11-12 (KJV) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Keeping on the straight path involves:

1. Building your strong spiritual foundation

Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.