When the light begins to penetrate the darkness of this world, we find ourselves in a terrible dilemma. We know that to continue in darkness has a dreadful ending. On the other hand, to follow the light to its source requires a daily effort on our part. Once the truth is revealed, it will not be found wanting; it will accomplish all that is written.

The apostle Paul said to us, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) As you said, we must be “constantly aware and in a prayerful mind.” And Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34) Meaning what? Let the apostle James answer, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:14-15)

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22) Would Jesus command us to do something that he is unwilling to do?

The scriptures are made known to us so that we sin not, “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1) Jesus Christ is our advocate. He defends us, pleading our cause before God the Father. Having repented of our sins, let us say with Paul, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” (Romans 9:18)

Then who can find mercy before God? Isaiah the prophet gives us the answer. Speaking of God he said, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15)

Contrite means to be repentant. Humble means to show submissive respect. “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor” (“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)) “and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)

I am sure that there have been times when you asked yourself, how do I know that Joe is telling me the truth? The first and most important thing to remember is the way in which I offer the word of God. Each thought is confirmed by scripture, and I never offer my private interpretation. But rather, I always show you how scripture is supported by other scripture. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, with Jesus Christ, our Lord, as the central focal point. The prophets and the apostles all built on Jesus. His coming to us, in the spirit of truth, reveals the building of God, fitly framed and joined together.

Perhaps not everyone feels as I do when I offer the revelation of God’s word, but I have always believed that the true understanding of God’s word carries power with it. And I believe when it is heard by an individual with a sincere mind, they instinctively know it is the truth. Understanding, when it breaks forth in our heart, is as the rising sun after a long night of terror and darkness. The word of the Lord begins to make sense and fit together. Very little of the preconceived notions remain as we imagined them to be, behold all things become new.

Here is something to think about; all roads will take you to the same place if you don’t know where you are going.

May God bless you and keep you.