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The Sweet Spot
"But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few will find it." 
Matthew 7:14 NIV
I'm not sure where the notion came from, but many people are under the impression that Christian life is supposed to be void of all trouble and disappointment. There is nothing in the Bible that supports this. In fact, Jesus made it clear that Christian life is hard. Contextually, living for Jesus is compressed and constrained in comparison to the broad options the world has to offer.  For example, as a Christian, if you need money, you work for it in a capacity that does not harm others. However, if you have no regard as to the way God wants us to live, you could steal, scheme, scam, or do any number of things to put money in your pocket. See...God's way is a narrow choice. 

In Matthew 7:13-29, Jesus teaches us about Christian living. He starts by explaining that God's way is narrow.  At first, we may think of things like stealing and lying and violence.  But what about something more subtle? What about the way you feel about yourself? Or others?

There is always a sweet spot - a narrow place in the road- where God meets you on every issue.  On the fringes, you have the devil "prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) That devil tries to get you on both sides of the narrow road. The key is to stay aligned in the "narrow way" of the Word.

There are three sides to the issues in your life: 

The Sin Side (Left)
The left side of the road is the 'Sin Side" where you're messed up and struggling. This is where you are before you meet Jesus and when He is maturing and perfecting your faith in certain areas. You do, say, and think things that are not aligned with God's word and will for your life. On this side of the road, you make decisions and choices that are in direct disobedience to God.  You lie, steal, cuss, fuss and make excuses for yourself. You're wrong and you know it. 

The Self Side (Right)
The so-called "right" side of the road is the self side where you zipped right passed Jesus on the narrow way and believe you have it all together. Perhaps, you think you are a good person, forgetting that Jesus said no one is good but God. (Mark 10:18)  On this side of the road, you judge others and justify your own actions. Sin is hidden so deep in your heart that you are wrong and don't even know it...or at least not willing to admit to it.

The Sweet Spot (The Center)
In the middle of the road, straight through the gate is what I call "the sweet spot."  You know that if it was not for the grace of God you would be on the sides of the road as lion meat.  In the sweet spot you, you make tough decisions to follow God's word even when you don't feel like it...especially when you don't feel like it.  You are not perfect and you know it.  But you also know that God crowned you with glory and honor so you are grateful to be "all that" in Christ Jesus. You're wrong and you are repentant. 

Jesus tells us in v. 24 that if we listen and follow His instruction, our lives will be built on a strong foundation.  In this passage from v. 24-29 you notice that the rain still comes, the rivers still rise, and the wind still blows.  That's life.  But what Jesus is telling us is that if we stay in the sweet spot, our lives will not fall completely apart and we can survive the storms on earth and live forever in Heaven. 
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"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter."
Matthew 7:21 NLT

We cannot earn our way to heaven with good deeds.  Our behavior is not the reason for our salvation. It's the evidence of our salvation.  Our behavior change shows that God has changed our hearts and lives.
Pray before reading your bible. This allows God to guide you in your study. Simply ask God to help you better understand his word and live it. 
Understand what to do with God's word in your life. Get Fed and Focused. 
Total Life coaching brings many wonderful benefits: fresh perspectives on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, increased confidence, and peace.  Life Coaching for Christians utilizes the principles of life coaching through the lens of our faith. We incorporate our beliefs and values into every decision we make.  People who undertake total life coaching integrated with faith can expect appreciable improvement in life satisfaction.

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Independent Study

Reading: Matthew 7:13-29
  1. In verses 13-14, Jesus explains the difference between having eternal life and eternal death. What areas of your life need to be "narrowed" toward Jesus?
  2. What does the passage in verses 15-20 mean to you? How is 'recognizing fruit" different than judging someone?
  3. The people in verse 22 were casting out demons, prophesying, and performing miracles.  These seem to be good works.  Why do you suppose Jesus said he never knew them? 
  4. Jesus says in verse 24 "...and acts on them..." How can you act on this lesson to strengthen the foundation of your life?
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