Which Path Do I Take?

Early this morning I received a phone call, and was informed about some news that prompted me to get away for a little while. So I decided to go exercise at a local gym in my neighborhood in order to clear my head.  After I worked out for some time, I took a walk around the neighborhood, and went into a wooded area.  At some point in my journey through the wooded area, I faced a fork in the road, and realized that I could go either right or left.  I took that time to stand in the middle of the pathway while calling out loud to my God.  I thought, reflected about my life; where I have been, and where I would like to go.  I felt confused, at a loss for words, but amazingly clear after considering some things. 

When God closes a door, He opens another door.  When opportunity is lost, another opportunity is gained.  Things started making sense to me.  Interestingly enough, it also made sense to me which pathway through the wooded area that I should take.  I realized where I had parked my car, and so I decided to go left because that was the pathway that would lead me back to my car.

The question comes up frequently during a lifetime: "Which Path Do I Take?" In our lives, we are faced with countless decisions that we must make.  The decisions we make can greatly affect us in either positive or negative ways.  I am mindful of the great Biblical Proverb that says:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct^[a] your paths." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

God desires for each of us to ultimately choose a path that points us in His direction, so that we may draw closer to Him!

Remember ... GOD WANTS YOU!!

The Problem of Debt

For most of us in this country, not having enough money is not the real problem.  The real problem is not handling or managing the money we do have effectively.  What do I mean? Many Americans are overwhelmed by personal debt. A man earning $35,000 per year with no debts is far better off than a man earning seven figures who is over his head in debt. Facts are facts, folks! We are in a much better position financially when we don't owe anything to anyone! We can be more free to give generously to those who are really in need, we can save, we can invest wisely, and we can leave a financial legacy to our children.

The Bible speaks powerfully on these points. Consider these passages about debt:

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender" - Proverbs 22:7

"Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you." - Proverbs 22:26-27

God wants us to be free from debt so that we can better testify of what it means to be a good steward (manager) of everything He has given to us.

Let us beseech and pray earnestly to the God of heaven to release us from the bondage to debt, so that we as a people can be liberated to live as our Creator has intended us to live.