A common addendum to a prayer spoken in church, or any other public gathering of Christians that includes prayer, is a request to lead, guide and direct our path. Although “lead, guide and direct” is a familiar phrase to many, do we think through what each request entails?

Or, should it be said, ‘it used to be’ a common addition? Considering all the changes and deviations implemented in the past several decades and moving especially rapid in the 21st century, are the ones coming through church in this post-modern era being taught the old paths? If not, they are missing powerful lessons in embracing and communicating with our Heavenly Father.

The enclosed are thoughts not intended to be taken as ‘the only thought’ or the full view of how deep these thoughts can become. I only hope to encourage others to consider how urgently we must seek Almighty God through His Son, Jesus Christ, as the end of the age is upon us. Rather than impressing others with how ‘gifted’ we think we are, may we be about the Father’s business of pulling as many as possible from the fire.

Jude 1:21 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Old paths: Isaiah 58:12 “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

Jeremiah 6:16 “Thus saith the LORD, ‘Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk therein.’”

The Old Testament is an excellent study for the obedience/disobedience cycles inherent to mankind. Rejection of Almighty God was well-known to the prophets; Jeremiah has been nicknamed the ‘weeping prophet’ due to the heartache he felt for others who refused to heed warnings of consequences for rejection of God.

Lead: Travel in front of; go in advance of others.Preside over, as in a meeting. Lead, precede: move ahead (of others) in time or space.

When we stay in continual cooperative communication with our Heavenly Father through our High Priest, Jesus the Christ, asking Him to cover us before we go, act or react, He is there ahead of us, leading the way, possibly creating detours for our benefit/safety (especially if we tend to be impulsive . . .). We have His promise in Romans 8:28 that “. . .all things work together for good to them that love God. . .”  Keywords: ‘for those who love Him’, which will include respect and submitting to His plans.  

Psalm 139:9 “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

Revelation 7:17 “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Guide: Someone who shows the way by leading or advising.Template; templet; guide. A model or standard for making comparisons. Steer: be a guiding or motivating force or drive.

We already have His Word in the Holy Bible to guide us with examples to the dilemmas we face but no one has ever not felt doubt and insecurity. He desires our full trust and it’s easier when we know His Word to speak out loud while inquiring what are His purposes for our particular situation. Even when our memory blanks or we are overwhelmed, He hears our petition and is thrilled to hear from us in trust for His guidance. Romans 8:26 consoles us that when we don’t know what or how to pray, the Holy Spirit interprets our heartfelt petition for us.

We become indwelt with the Holy Spirit upon accepting Christ as our Savior; the Holy Spirit is equivalent to a conscience that guides when we activate His service. The main effort in our function is to acknowledge Almighty God and our need for a Savior to engage His guidance through the murky mire of daily living.  

Church pastors are also meant to be a guide for Jesus’ flock during His physical absence from earth. Pastors should be there to explain, clarify, comfort and advise in Godly matters, which encompasses all of life.

Isaiah 58:11 “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

Jeremiah 3:4 “Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, ‘My father, thou art the guide of my youth?’”

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Direct: Command with authority. Target; aim; place; direct; point: intend (something) to move towards a certain goal. Send, direct: cause to go somewhere.

One of the least popular words in our present-day vernacular is ‘submission’ when it involves relinquishing control. I admit to not being overly fond of allowing myself to be vulnerable and trusting, however, when it comes to my Savior, I am easily reminded how vulnerable and submissive to the Father He became on my behalf. Thank You, Lord Jesus.

Frequently, I see (mostly in relation to child-trafficking) the verses in Matthew 18 referencing the consequences for those who harm or confuse children, of which I absolutely agree, but Jesus stated in the same passages that we must all come to God’s Throne as ‘little children’. Little ones are expected to take directions and meet goals for their benefit to enhance their lives. Our Father places the same requisites on us as adults: Matthew 18:4 [Jesus speaking] “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”.

2Thessalonians 3:5 “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Isaiah 61:8 “For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”

Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge Him [God], and He shall direct thy paths.”

Allow Him to lead, guide and direct us to His heavenly domain. Throw off the fake piety and superficial answers—just the truth of His Word, please.

I find that I become very emotional when mentioning little children. We know our children are in danger and most of that danger comes from the adults who are supposed to protect them. Please, let us stop chasing after superficial holiness and truly seek Him to lead, guide and direct us to love enough to put self aside to pray and act in any way possible to rescue our/His children. May God Bless those who are digging through the rubble of a mean and nasty society to rescue those under enemy control.