I am sure many of you remember traveling back in the day before cars had navigation systems and cell phones had navigation apps. Travel was dependent upon paper maps, which go back to ancient times, AAA TripTiks and printed Mapquest directions. Paper maps were cumbersome, scales, symbols and legends needed to be interpreted additionally, interpretation was a major factor-misunderstandings were regular occurrences. TripTiks were printed maps, ordered ahead of time from AAA, that marked the destination route. The maps were cut and booklet-bound for easy accessibility. Mapquest directions, printed from a computer offered step by step instructions but could not account for real time accidents, construction or detours. Technology continues to evolve and we currently have access to clear, simplistic travel assistance through Global Positioning System (GPS).
Using GPS to navigate travel; avoid construction detours, bypass tolls and choose the best route has become second nature. This gift of technology is available to anyone with access to cellular devices. When I input an address into my vehicle’s navigation system, I get the choice of at least three different routes; the fastest, the shortest and one without tolls. If I decide to navigate travel using GPS, I need to choose one of the options provided. The sixth “I AM” statement of Jesus caused me to think about navigation technology and I am grateful to have access to the spiritual navigation through God’s Positioning System. In the sixth verse of the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…”. These were words spoken to His disciples at the Last Supper and are important for us to remember more than two thousand years later.
I am grateful that the “I AM” statement for the beginning of this year is the profound reminder of Jesus as the pathway to God, The Father. As God’s daughters, those who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are not traveling life’s journey alone nor without divine direction. We have God’s Positioning System, only accessible through the acceptance His Son, Jesus, which guides us through this life and into life eternal.
Jesus is The Way to a right relationship with God, The Father (Acts 4:12). Jesus gave up His glorious body and existence to become flesh so that we have the opportunity to know God personally. When you and I choose Jesus, The Way, our eternal relationship with God begins. Accepting Him and following His teachings are the only path to eternal life. In God’s love letter to us, the Bible, we receive clear instructions and directions for our journey. We do not need to concern ourselves with choosing among options because Jesus is the only way. Jesus speaks to us in the same way the navigation system voice does. He provides clear direction, feedback and will redirect us as we journey. He tells us when to stop, where to turn and how to avoid delays. Do you hear His voice? Are you listening? (John 10:27).
Jesus is The Truth, the supreme and ultimate truth. He is The Word who became flesh and lived among mankind (John 1:1,1:14). The truth will shine a light on our thoughts, words and actions and also show us what we are really like. If we let Him, the truth will transform us and make us more like Christ Jesus each day (Romans 8:29). God rejoices when we, His daughters, walk in the truth (3 John 3:4). Walking in the truth sets us free from sin and makes us more willing to live in obedience to God’s plan for our lives (John 8:32). The truth also gives us hope. I want to encourage you, my sister to acknowledge the truth, embrace the truth, love the truth and walk in it (Psalm 86:11). When we walk in the truth, we can overcome the obstacles and detours that keep us from being more like Jesus each day. Embrace the Truth.
Jesus is The Life, He is life. Jesus, the second person of the Triune God always existed. He is the source of life and was alive in the beginning, is alive today and will be alive forevermore (Genesis 1:1, John 1:3). Through the sacrifice of His life on Calvary’s cross He gave life to all who will accept Him. Jesus came to earth to provide the opportunity for us to live the abundant life, life full of blessings beyond expectation (John 10:10). As I journey through 2024, I am setting my destination to living the abundant life. I will seek after God and His goodness. I will engage in the continuous process of growing and maturing in Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). I will yield to God’s good plan for my life, trust Him like never before and follow His directions exclusively (Psalm 25:4-5, Proverbs 3:5-6). As this new year begins, I am giving my life afresh to Jesus, the Life and allowing Him to have full control. I am beginning this year with my destination set to a having a closer walk with Him.
Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s exercise:
List three ways you allow Jesus to lead you along your spiritual journey.
Describe the way you hear Jesus speak in less than 250 words.
Prayerfully ask Jesus, to shine light on something you need to change, write your plan to make the change He reveals.
In less than 250 words, describe the way you have experienced the abundant blessings of God in your life.
Choose a passage of scripture from this devotion to meditate on throughout the month.
Rembering those travel instructions that took me where I wanted & needed to be~ But thanks be to God for His Son Jesus & His Word that gives the Real Direction for traveling through this Life Journey~🙏🏾
Thanks for this. I’ve had to read it and listen quite a few times. God is speaking to me. 2023 was a trying year for me. I’ve had to start all over with a lot of things and it’s not finished yet but I am grateful for the Word. It works if you work it. Like the navigation system you gotta follow directions. I know Jesus walks with me and that MATTERS. Thank you so much for creating Under the church hat. I look forward to it. It really helps me. ❤️