Blog by Ps Sharon Kelly
I have loved this season of Sisters as we have sought to encourage each of you to ‘stay on the path’ God has for you. Life comes with unexpected challenges and it is all too tempting to skip where we are and run in search of a road that seems easier, less challenging, more fun, with fewer obstacles, or to be honest – one that will just take the pain of life away. A couple of weeks ago I found myself in the book of Deuteronomy and read the following scripture in chapter 5 verse 33.
‘Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.’
As I read through this chapter and actually the book of Deuteronomy, I found Moses, who was the leader of the Israelites, passionately teaching them what to do as they head into the Promised Land. Moses knows he won’t be going with them but he so wants them to ‘stay the path’ and walk in all the promises that God has for them.
As I pondered this passage of scripture I started to think about what I would passionately want to communicate to encourage people to ‘stay the path.’
- Love Jesus with everything and love the House of God
May Jesus always be first and foremost in your life. And may you be planted and flourish in the House of God all of your days. No church is ever perfect, and yet Jesus exhorts us to be a part of a healthy church community. After all He is still building and pursuing the church.
- Love love love the Word of God
The Bible says in Psalm 119.105 ‘your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’. The word illuminates and sheds light on every situation we encounter. I am notorious for saying to people ‘what does the Word say?’ as they navigate life’s twists and turns. The Bible is not full of cute Bible stories, it’s powerful, empowering and transformational in a believer’s life!
- You are here for a cause greater than yourself
It’s not me me me but we we we. I love this quote by John Wesley: Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can. I pray we are known by our respect and honor of others, our inclusiveness and our generosity. Let’s leave a beautiful Jesus colored mark wherever we go.
- Celebrate well
I once heard Ps Bill Hybels say ‘in life the human heart takes lots of hits. Because of this we need to be people who celebrate well.’ And I couldn’t agree more. Whenever you get the chance celebrate the moments in life, because they pass so quickly.
- Be kind always
A couple of years ago I stumbled across this verse in the Message Bible. Romans 2.4 says “God is kind but he is not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into radical life change.’
I cannot tell you how many times this has helped me in life. From marriage, parenting, friendships and just everyday life, we can choose to be kind but not be trodden all over.
- Never never never give up
Luke 21.26 NIV ‘people will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
There’s lots of despair in this world, but you and I are part of the answer. I encourage you to ‘stay your path’, stay planted in a great church community, seek the Word, celebrate, be kind, and watch what God does in and through your life. I can promise you one thing – you’ll look back in years to come and be oh so grateful.
Love you dearly
Sharon xx