Compass
If any of you hold a desire to camp, explore, or hike in the wilderness… you would do well to take along a compass. This device does not rely on cell service or battery life to direct an adventurer on the correct path. In fact, this tool was used for centuries to navigate across vast areas of land and sea. I have never utilized one myself but was always amazed at how that needle invariably aligns with the earth’s magnetic north. With this reliable instrument in hand, there would be utmost confidence in being able to reach a determined destination. This assurance of not getting lost is priceless.
Jesus Is My Compass
Isn’t that true with our spiritual adventure as well? The times we get lost in the mire of life’s adventures and not sure where we are going? Failing to overcome the mindset of trying to navigate on our own, just to end up back in the same place we started? The good news as believers is we have a priceless means necessary to navigate these winding roads. With the Bible as our compass, we are pointed down the right path (Psalm 32:8). Finding the direction, we must go by placing our trust in the Lord that He will show us the way (Isaiah 30:21). Then following that direction where the needle points as Jesus Himself assures us that He is our magnetic spiritual north (John14:6).
The “Y” In The Road
But wouldn’t you know it, the world is constantly placing other attractive paths in our life (Proverbs 4:14-15). Temptations of taking the easy road instead of the more challenging one to which God might be calling. Relying on our own understanding instead of using that compass when the “Y” in the road approaches (Proverbs 3:5-6). Truth to be told, no one among us take a straight path. Poor decisions, peer pressure, unforeseen circumstances… all attribute to the winding road of life. However, we must ask ourselves, “Where is my magnetic north?” What direction is the life I am living taking me? If it happens to be due south, it’s never too late to turn back (Joel 2:12-13).
Use The True Magnetic North
My friends, whether you are an adventurer or not, you must use a compass. With God’s Word in your hearts and minds, that revealed message will act as a guiding principle in your life. Providing direction and helping you navigate through the tough decisions and challenging circumstances you are daily faced with. When you use this compass, God’s word will guide your steps and light up your path (Psalm 119:105). Let Jesus be your magnetic north as He will make your crooked paths straight again (Isaiah 42:16). And the best part of this life’s journey? Is knowing where this path will lead… knowing where that needle is pointing… and what priceless joy will be waiting for us there (John 3:16).
Dear Lord, help me stay on course as I navigate the crooked roads in my life. Thank You for sending Jesus as my magnetic north and my destination of eternal life with You. Amen.
Psalm 32-8
Isaiah 30:21
John 14:6
Proverbs 4:14-15
Proverbs 3:5-6
Joel 2:12-13
Psalm 119:105
Isaiah 42:16
John 3:16
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
Psalm 32:8
Blessed Are the Forgiven
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Isaiah 30:21
The Lord Will Be Gracious
21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
John 14:6
I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Proverbs 4:14-15
A Father’s Wise Instruction
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Joel 2:12-13
Return to the Lord
12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Psalm 119:105
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
105 Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me.
Isaiah 42:16
The Lord’s Chosen Servant
And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
John 3:16
For God So Loved The World
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.