As For Me, What Really Is Important?

The sayings of the wise are like goads...The sayings given by one Shepherd. But beyond these my son be warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: Fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:11-13

Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord--What about him?" "If I want him to remain until I come", Jesus answered, "What is that to you? As for you follow Me"

John 21:20-23

Goads are something we don't hear much about today. I grew up on a farm and saw them used a lot, one of my favorite goads to use though was a quiet voice and I loved when the animals responded accordingly, I can say the same about parenting and friendship. The Savior often speaks of Goads being used and also of His grief and even tears when they are not heeded. Today ask Jesus to make you sensitive to His voice and His touch as goads, David knew this after His disastrous train wreck with Bathsheba and Uriah. Pain is a good teacher and is as a last resort used by our AWESOME Father. He can and does make ALL THINGS work together for good if we ask. Only He can give you clean hands, a pure heart, a willing spirit and a good conscience. Only His yoke is easy, Only His burden is light, because of that, this is REALLY IMPORTANT!

Deuteronomy 29:4, Matthew 11:28-30

Grace wasn't a one time experience for John Newton. He attributed his daily protection, his desire to live obediently, and his future hopes to Grace, God's Amazing Grace. "The grace of God has a real influence upon the whole man", he wrote, "It enlightens the understanding, directs the will, purifies the affection, regulates the passions and corrects the different excesses to which different persons are by constitution or habit inclined.

Amazing Grace, Page 221-222