Is your life error-free?

One of the realities I have learned about myself and the human race is that we do not live error-free lives. In fact, I realize from myself and from those close to me that my own awareness of my failings are often hidden from me. I am blind to my own shortcomings; and the Psalmist agrees:

But who can discern their own errors? Psalm 19:12

If it is impossible for me to find my blind spots, is there any hope for me? The Psalmist believes there is:

Forgive my hidden faults. Psalm 19:12

What I cannot see, God can see and God can forgive. This is the Good News! – Ron Friesen

A stumble-free life?

There are lots of things in life that will trip us up. Life has lots of obstacles that create challenges for us as we journey through each day. Is it really possible to encounter these challenges without stumbling? Is there such a thing as getting through the day without getting tripped up? The Psalmist thinks it is possible for he wrote:

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. Psalm 17:5

As John Bunyan noted in this classic Pilgrim’s Progress, the walk of life has many side-trips that distract us from our intended journey to the Promised Land. What is the secret of walking a stumble-free life? Following the path God has put you on. For the first readers or listeners of the Psalms it meant Torah, the Jewish law book. For those who follow Jesus today, it means the teachings of Jesus. Will we like Christian and his fellow travelers fall and stumble? Yes, then we remember Jesus’ words, “"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). – Ron Friesen

Which do you fear - dying or death?

“Which do you fear: dying or death?” Over the years I have asked this question of hundreds of people who have been told they have a life-limiting disease. Interestingly, most people say they fear dying more than death itself. Most find the process of dying more terrifying than death itself. The greatest reason for this fear is fear of dying in pain and suffering. Fortunately, with modern medicine and programs such as Hospice, many people can be assured all with be done to keep them comfortable in the last days of their lives.

What about death itself? Many people find that death is not so terrifying because they know something of the eternal comfort that the Psalmist knew:

“You (God) will not abandon me to the realm of the dead.” Psalm 16:10

Abandonment is worse than death itself. Will anyone remember me and care about me after I am gone. Here is the Good News: You can fall asleep tonight and wake up in the arms of Jesus. – Ron Friesen