The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).

What was the first thing you did as a Christian? Did you call on those you love the most and tell them the joy you had found? Did you call upon those you care for so greatly and share with them the way to life everlasting?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like not to read about Peter? How many stories and examples would not be there for us to follow? How many people would not know the love of Christ? If Andrew had shared with his brother Simon, there would be no Peter.

With whom have you shared Christ? Every time you hesitate to open your mouth and share Christ, think about Andrew. Think about what life would be like if he had not shared with Simon, the one who became Peter.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.

What is wisdom, if it is not the Almighty’s word? He is the creator of all we see. What better wisdom can one find?

How does wisdom protect us? It is simple: if we have the wisdom of God’s word flowing through us, then we know what is right and wrong and we can stay focused on the path we are to follow.

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.”

Did you know I am a little one to God? Yes, at 46 years old, I am still God’s little one. I am His child, I am the one He loves, and no matter how old I get, I will still be His child. Jesus is quoted in Luke as saying that things that will cause us to stumble will come but, boy, you better not be the cause of that stumbling block! In Matthew chapter 18, it is stated that it would be better to be thrown in the water with a millstone around your neck — that would be worse then having cement shoes on.

Gee, what causes people to stumble? I need to know. You see, I can’t swim, and I really can’t swim with cement shoes on. I don’t hold my breath that long, either. Let’s face it, there are times it is hard for me to simply breathe the air. I don’t think I want to try breathing water. This is a good incentive to keep me in line. So, what do I need to know to keep from stumbling and to keep others from stumbling because of me? It is not a hard thing. It is just a book I need to read. The book is available in every language I can think of. If I don’t have one, I can pick one up in any book store or free at any church. I really do not have an excuse not to know.

Did you ever get in trouble as a kid and say, “Well, Billy Bob said I could?” Did that make any difference? It didn’t with my Mom; she just said one of two things: “I’m not Billy Bob’s Mother,” or, “He is next in line for a spanking and he will get double for telling you a lie.” If our parents here on earth would say such things, what do you think our heavenly Father will say when we claim Billy Bob told us we could?

Go find your Bible and dust it off, because I don’t think you’ll want to wear that millstone necklace.

Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

Are only a few going to be saved? What a question. Can you imagine? They did not ask, “Lord, how can we bring others to your side?” They asked, “Lord, will there really only be a few? Will there really only be a few who read your word and live it in their hearts and daily lives? Lord, will there really only be a few who walk the narrow path to you? Lord, will there really only be a few?”

In amazement, they wonder why just a few. Why would it be hard to live a life following Christ? Many of us ask this same question. We live our lives not really believing the answer. If we did, we would spread the gospel more frequently. We would let our light shine even brighter. We would understand the importance of reading the Word and sharing what we read. We would understand the reason to encourage others to really read the Word.

I often fall into the trap of “ignorance is bliss”. Let’s face it, we all do. It’s easy to think, “They are good people, and God is good so…….”

Read the scripture here in Luke. Jesus makes it clear:

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, “Sir, open the door for us.” But he will answer, “I don't know you or where you come from.” (Luke 13: 24- 25)

What side of the door do you want to be on? What side of the door do you want your loved ones to be on?