Ponder your path

At the beginning of every year there is much talk about what lies ahead … the path forward into the new year.

As I’ve said before, resolutions don’t work for me. But discerning a plan is important in my world.

But what to plan for?

Follow the sunshine that comes from God.

Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV) – “But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”

I’m amazed daily how God will point to the path forward if we just take some time to seek out His word and what He reveals to us.

His word gives us direction.

Proverbs 4:26 (NKJV) – “Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.”

Just a little time each day of calm and pondering on my part to allow God’s word to work in me delivers much discernment, insight and direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) – 5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

May the Lord shine on you this day, disciple, as you discern your next opportunity to share the salvation of Jesus.

3 Questions for now

It’s hard to believe that severe winter cold is threatening in the days ahead in my neck of the woods, and even more surreal are the out-of-control flames from wildfires burning through Los Angeles.

Pray that those in need stay warm and safe in the cold, and that those facing the fiery destruction out west have the full support and caring of God in Christ as they deal with what seem to be insurmountable challenges.

These topics, like so many that come to light each day, can be a chance to share the peace, comfort and love of Christ with someone you know.

Tap into these questions to help you start a conversation:

• Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God's presence?

• Who do you turn to for guidance when you're facing tough decisions?

• What does it mean to you to live a life with purpose?

Read these questions and responses several times and apply as your heart feels for those in need.

At your next “now” opportunity, ask one and follow the Lord’s lead.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Harsh reality of tragedy should spur boldness

A neighbor of mine, an acquaintance I worked to befriend, was lost this week to an untimely death that was graphic and public.

He was a veteran, a brash character to whom I related and enjoyed being around because of many similar past experiences and attitudes about life in general.

We held similar interests about family, the outdoors and love of freedom.

But it was difficult for me to connect early in our relationship as I had just begun to focus more on sharing the Gospel. He wasn’t much interested in connecting with the peer groups in my sphere that I could offer.

I prayed for him and his family for salvation and for them to step into a family of believers.

There was an incident, and he was gone from the neighborhood.

I missed our occasional chatter about news topics and fun things in life.

His family packed up and moved to a different neighborhood. We texted about connecting for future events.

Then, he was gone for good. In a catastrophic instant.

I felt horrible. The emotional pain caught me off guard at work, and I had to force my composure to handle my job. My thoughts for his family … I couldn’t imagine what they were going through.

And I felt sick that I hadn’t been bold enough to fully share the Gospel to him.

Was he in hell now?

Pain. Guilt. Remorse. I was sickened by my failure.

Thankfully, my men’s peer group was there to help redirect my mind. Each person must face their own eternity, and only God knows where my neighbor is now.

Their words of insight and encouragement also heaped guilt and shame upon me.

Why was I thinking of me when his family was still here and in need? The goal now is prayer and support for them.

I’m not sure how this rant will help others, except maybe to encourage all to reach out when that soft whisper from the Holy Spirit urges you to speak out.

The tragedy of this week hit hard, and I pray it stays with me from this day forward.

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies.

“If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees.

“Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”

– Charles Spurgeon

Life on this earth, and the opportunity to share, doesn’t last forever.

Now, be kind.

Love them.

Be bold, disciple.