Travelling Light: Part 2 - 'Stay on Track'
This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
Here are some questions to consider:
Readings:
Matthew 7:13-14 (NRSVA)
‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’
Proverbs 4:23-27 (NLT)
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIVUK)
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Prayer and Reflection:
Merciful God, we confess to you and say sorry for the times we have gone off track. Help us to be humble enough to admit when we are wrong, to say sorry and to ask for help. Be as a light to our feet, dear Lord and keep us safely on the narrow path that leads to life. Amen
Questions to Consider
1. Have you ever been on a long hiking trip, or car journey, where you went the wrong way? How did you get back on track?
2. What are some of the emotions you have felt when you know you have made a wrong choice, and found yourself going the wrong way in life?
3. What is your biggest sidetrack?
4. What’s your single biggest regret – or wrong turn – in life? Given that you can’t go back and undo it (for want of a time machine!) what’s the next best thing you can do?
5. In what ways do you need to be especially careful to “guard your heart”?
6. With whom are you “walking” on the journey of life – friends, mentors, spouse?
7. Do you ask for God’s help every day? If not… why not?
8. In your prayers today, what will you ask for help with – the mistakes of the past, what to do about it now, today… or both?
9. Do you want the steps you take today to be on the right path? What will you do to guard your heart?