As I continue to watch the world’s societies self destruct I am drawn to the verses in Mathew.
Matthew 7:13 -14
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.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Society continues to find the broad road and its end is eternal damnation. Communities like Vancouver talk about efforts to get people to downtown bars and lounges for fun and frolic. Their efforts will only lead to the downfall of many. As I pondered these things I couldn’t help but think of something that I enjoy in my life and that’s all manner of railways, both model and real.
I worked on Monday night at the Discovery Centre as a conductor on the Forest Centre’s Christmas train. This one goes in a figure 8 and traverses over water on a trestle. Like all railways the tracks keep the train going in a specific direction. But, railway structure is human made and is subject to failure. When a failure happens there is often a tragic result. Aren’t human lives much the same? We know the right path to take but so many have followed the wide and easy road which takes them in the wrong direction.
I remember a hymn from my past that is titled “Life is Like a Mountain Railway” which goes like this.
Life is Like a Mountain Railway
Verse 1 Life is like a mountain railroad, With an engineer so brave We must make the run successful From the cradle to the grave. Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels, Never falter, never fail Keep your hand upon the throttle and your eye upon the rail.
Chorus Oh, blessed Savior, thou wilt guide us, Till we reach that blissful shore Where the angels wait to join us, In God’s grace forever more.
Verse 2 You will roll up grades of trial, you will cross the bridge of strife See that Christ is your Conductor on this lightning train of life Always mindful of obstruction, do your duty, never fail Keep your hand upon the throttle , and your eye upon the rail.
Verse 3 You will often find obstructions; look for storms of wind and rain; On a fill, or curve, or trestle they will almost ditch your train; Put you trust alone in Jesus, never falter, never fail. Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail.
Verse 4 As you roll across the trestle, spanning Jordan’s swelling tide, You behold the Union Depot into which your train will glide. There you’ll meet the Superintendent, God the Father, God the Son. With the hearty, joyous, plaudit, “Weary Pilgrim, Welcome Home”
As I ponder the words of this song I hope those obstructions, grades of trial, bridges of strife, or the storms of wind and rain will not deter us from following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I know we all face various difficulties in life but our Heavenly Father knows our strengths and our weaknesses so by giving Him control of ALL of our life we should find the strength and comfort to overcome, persevere and remain faithful to our Lord & Savior, no matter what comes our way.
Our assembly is filled with those who are going through health problems of many kinds, difficult relationships or just the mishaps of life that show up regularly.
Keep an eye on the Savior. Study His Holy word and spend that valuable time in Prayer and your train of life will arrive at its destination on time. God’s time, not ours.
My heart is heavy for our family and friends who have not found the peace the Savior gives or their decision to follow the Lord is on the “back burner”. Please pray for family and friend’s, both ours and yours that need the touch of the Savior’s hand.
Keenagers
We have maxed out at 54 attendees. 8 tables of 9. Many have volunteered to bring components of the meal and for that we are thankful. The turkeys will be cooked on Tuesday and sliced on Wednesday during a process that will still permit it to be served warm. Veggies, Gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, condiments and desserts will all be provided.
There will be sharing by 3 or 4 people who have already agreed but if others wish to participate by sharing a testimony let me know. This has been a substantial undertaking and I wish to thank each and everyone for their participation.
There will be a few carols sung and we trust a blessed fellowship will be had by all.
Thursday, Dec. 14th, 11:30 am.
OR if you’re bringing something, arriving a little earlier will probably be useful.
