"Enter by the Narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But, because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads to life, there are few who find it." (Matt 7:13-14)

The wide gate; the easy road is the road most traveled, and many travel upon that road. Some even seeking to find the Kingdom of God, but fearing hardship or disappointment, have chosen the road lined with promises of earthly freedom, peace, happiness, earthly prosperity, and those who cater to the ears of those willing to listen, even if what they hear is filled with error.

The narrow gate; the hard road, is the least traveled road because it is more difficult, being lined with threats of torment, pain, destruction, affliction, oppression, sickness and death. But the faithful will traverse the difficulties of life, laying their burden upon Christ Jesus, who has already taken the penalty and paid the price for our sin. Because it is He who supports, and upholds those who faithfully stick to the narrow road, and it is He who directs their path, smoothing out many of the rough places, and even shielding the traveler from attacks, by the power of His holy Spirit working in and through the traveler.

We are not promised peace and prosperity in our daily walk, even Jesus suffered and died for choosing to remain faithful and not venture off of the narrow path that leads to the narrow gate. He now stands at the gate, holding it open for all who would believe upon The Son of God, and follow His lead.

As is written in Rev 2 and 3, the promise of the kingdom belongs to those who overcome AS Jesus overcame. But the wonderful part is that, through His Holy Spirit, He helps us to overcome IF we trust (believe) and obey. He is our provider, or salvation, our redeemer, our strength, our life, our Lord, and our King. He is our all-in-all.

Lord, I pray that the eyes of your body, your church, your bride are opened, and their ears cleaned out, that they might see the truth in your word, and hear your most wonderful voice in their heart. Your word is established in heaven, and we must call it to be. What you have proclaimed to all the heavens and the earth is fact already established, but we most speak and act, in faith, upon your already established word IF we are to take hold of and be all that you have called us to be. Thank you Lord for YOUR faithfulness, even in our weakness and unfaithfulness, you are faithful. Thank you for loving us from before the foundations of the earth. Thank you for removing the burden of the cost of our sinful nature through the spilled blood of your Son, our Lord and King, Christ Jesus. I Praise you, and I bless you, In Jesus' name. Amen

"Have you not noticed that these people are saying, 'The LORD has rejected the two kingdoms he chose'? So they despise my people and no longer regard them as a nation. This is what the LORD says: 'If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed laws of heaven and earth, then I will reject the descendants of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his sons to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.' " (Jer 33:24-26)

For those who would think that God has forsaken Israel becasue of their rebellion, think again. Their numbers are assured as being 144 thousand; 12,000 from each tribe. His established Laws governing the day and night would have to change before He would completely reject and disolve the promise made to the children of God.

For those who think that Jesus Christ came to change the laws of God, think again. God established a covenant of FIXED Laws, that is, those Laws that CANNOT be changed. There are those Laws that were established as the building blocks of all that is; and there are those Laws that were established to edify men, to lead men and guide men, and to teach men. Then there is the Law of sin and death, of which we, who believe, have been redeemed.

Although this is not the actual birth date of Christ Jesus, it is the time that men, with a heart for Christ, have set aside to lift Him up and honor His birth. Despite what the world, and many Christians, do to "honor" our Lord and Savior, there are those whose intent is true. What Christmas is is far from what The Father would expect from His children, as what we "traditionally do during this time of year has nothing to do with the birth of our Lord and King, but everything to do with the world, self and darkness.

But for those few who's hearts are true, those who refrain from doing as the world does, being set aside - sanctified for Christ, His blessings flow like a river of living water enriching the trees that line the banks of the great rivers edge; trees thirsting for the life-giving substance of which they, knowingly, cannot do without. The life-source which is given freely to all who chose to come, accept and receive the peace and freedom, love and forgiveness being offered.

I choose not to wish you a merry christmas, as the birth of Christ Jesus had nothing to do with a mass, or trees, or trinkets, or lights, or a fat man in red magically flying through the air and slipping through a chimney much too small for someone half his size. A time when children are taught to seek fulfilment of selfish desires, and the parents participate. A time when we should be seeking the truth of His birth, and the ramifications of His coming.

I DO choose to bless you with peace and joy of heart, mind and home, and with eternal life in Christ, through the acceptance of His sacrifice as your substitute upon the cross. May He reveal His truth to you, that you might enter into His established rest, and find peace eternal. In the days ahead, may He watch over each of you, and cover you with his grace and mercy, protecting you and keeping you in all you do, and wherever you may go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen