Following Jesus on a Straight Street

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Paula

As a Christ follower, I enjoy studying the Bible and I take my salvation and my Savior seriously. However, as long as I’ve been studying the Bible, I notice little things that prove that saying people throw out there occasionally: “God has a sense of humor.”

People may be speaking about why He made them the way they are or why a hippopotamus, which is huge and fast to boot, has such a little snippet of a tail.

I get giggles reading God’s word sometimes. And, like I said, I take His word seriously. But there are some stories in there in which the little snippet of humor doesn’t go over my head.

Take for instance, Saul being accosted on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. Instead, he meets Jesus and Jesus asks him, “Why are you persecuting ME.?” (my emphasis added)

5-28-17 Sermon: Worth the Cost | Forest Lake United Methodist Church

Then Jesus sets up a meeting between this zealous Pharisee and a man named Ananias, whom God had given a message.

“The Lord told him (Ananias), “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” (Acts 9:11, 12)

There is irony in the fact that a man so crooked in his heart toward Christians would be led to faithful believers, one of whom lives on “Straight Street.”

Jesus is serious when he tells us the road is narrow and few will walk it. And while our lives seem to be taking turns and going over hills, I also believe the road to heaven is straight. The instructions are as simple as the ones God gave to Ananias. We’re the ones who complicate things.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will keep your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6

Aren’t you glad Saul was led to Straight Street and was obedient to the Lord? I surely am.

Follow Your Heart?

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Paula

Often, I hear the phrase “Follow your heart” as an encouragement to people to do whatever they think is best based on ‘gut feelings.’ They might also say “Follow your gut.” I believe we all have a conscience given by God and our conscience along with leadings from the Holy Spirit will help us to make decisions based on right and wrong.

And I admit the idea of following my heart used to be something I didn’t think too much about. I know I’ve let even major decisions be based on emotions. Then I became familiar with the Bible and what it had to say about just how poorly my heart acts as a leader in such cases.

Here’s some biblical wisdom I’ve picked up over the years

Jesus speaking in a short sermon: “For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. A good man produces good out of the good storeroom of his heart. An evil man produces evil out of the evil storeroom, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Luke 6:44,45

“The heart is more deceitful than anything else and desperately sick–who can understand it? I, the LORD, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9,10

“All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives.” Proverbs 16:2

In addition to heeding what God says in his Word about our actions, words, thoughts and attitudes, I like this advice from Oswald Chambers.

“The only test as to whether we ought to allow an emotion to have its way is to see what the outcome of the emotion will be. Push it to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something God would condemn, allow it no more way.” From “My Utmost For His Highest”

Most of the time, I know exactly what God would like me to do. I know his heart. Since a person’s heart is the seat of emotions, following God’s heart is always the best decision.

Father, I know my selfish tendencies. I ask you to constantly remind me that when I give over to my emotions, I often fail to make right decisions. I want to please you. Guide me with your Truth. Test my heart and lead me in the way everlasting.

Top Ten Reasons It’s Cool to Be Christ-like

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Paula

If you’re serious about being like Jesus, here you go with some great ways to follow his lead.

Jesus lived a sinless life. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:19

Jesus prayed for His friends–and some people He’d never met. John 17:6-26

Jesus submitted to authority. John 12:49-50; Luke 22:42

Jesus forgives everyone. Everyone, no matter what they did or do. Luke 23:34; 1 John 1:9

Jesus never compromised the truth. Mark 8:34-35; John 8:10-11

Jesus guided people into truth without hitting them over the head with it. Matthew 5-7; Luke 24:25-27

Jesus is full of joy and peace–and shares it. John 14:27; John 15:11

Jesus kept his priorities straight and was good at time management. Mark 1:35-39

Jesus attended parties, enjoying fellowship with all types of people. Luke 7:36-38; Matthew 9:10; John 2:1,2

And the Number One Reason it’s cool to be Christ-like:

Jesus loves everyone, even those who don’t like Him and those who disagree with Him. Matthew 23:37

I Have Here in My Hand

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Paula

I don’t really have a list in my hand. I don’t have a band to give me a drum roll. But –– ta-da! –– here’s a list of the Top Ten posts from 2016. Here in my corner of the world, I enjoyed taking stock and reviewing the past twelve months.

Writing The Fruitful Life is its own reward so I don’t get into looking at hit counters and other stats too much. I don’t have crowds of followers. Frankly, I’d rather write and convince people to follow Jesus.

However, it’s nice at the end of the year to see which posts were favorites of the readers.

The list of the Top Ten Posts from 2016 (in order) might give you an idea of the tastes of the readership. When I do take time to look at stats, it’s also fun to see that readers come from all over the world. In November, when The Upper Room published a devotion I wrote, people flocked to the blog through the link UR supplied. That was kind of fun.

In addition to this list, people cruised the “About” pages and the Archives. I’m not savvy enough to know how it all works. But like I said, writing about my faith and hobbies in which I’m involved is the best reward. Most of these posts are faith-based.

Anyway, here’s the list. Click on the links if you’d like to read them. If you’ve been reading for a while, did you have one you particularly liked that didn’t make the top ten list?