It should go without saying that things turn out according to the turns we take. In other words– decisions determines destiny, choices are followed by consequences. The law of sowing and reaping make it impossible to go wrong and end up right. So we need to give serious thought as to the decisions we make. That point is made well is the following from the Baptist Bible Hour:

We have only one life to live — only one! Think of this for a moment.

Here we are in this world of time, making the journey of life. Each day we are farther from the cradle — and nearer to the grave! Solemn thought! See the mighty concourse of human lives; hear their heavy tread in their onward march. Some are just beginning life’s journey; some are midway up the hill, some have reached the top, and some are midway down the western slope. But where are we all going? Listen, and you will hear but one answer, “Eternity!” Beyond the fading, dying gleams of the sunset of life — lies a boundless, endless ocean called Eternity! There, you and I are daily traveling.

Time is like a great wheel going its round. On and on it goes. Some are stepping on — and some are stepping off. But where are these latter stepping? Into eternity! See that old man with bent form, snow-white locks, and tottering steps. His has been a long round, but he has reached his end at last. See the middle-aged man. His round has not been so long, but he must also step off. See the youth. He has been on only a little while — but he is brought to the stepping-off place. He thought his round would be much longer. He supposed that he was just getting started — when that icy hand was laid upon him and the usher said, “Come, you have made your round, and you must go!” The infant that gave its first faint cry this morning — may utter its last feeble wail tonight. And thus they go. But where? Oh, where? Eternity!

If you were to start today and ask each person you met the question, “Where are you going?” and, if possible, you were to travel the world over and ask each one of earth’s inhabitants — there could be but one answer, “Eternity!”

“Oh, eternity, Long eternity!
Hear the solemn footsteps of eternity!”

Only one life to live! Only one life — and then we must face vast, endless eternity! We shall pass along the pathway of life but once. Every step we take — is a step that can never be taken again.

This world is not a play-ground — or a place to trifle with time. Life is not given us to squander nor fritter away. To trifle away time, is indeed, to be the greatest of spendthrifts. If you squander a dollar — you may regain it; but a moment wasted — can never be regained. God gives us all the time we need to accomplish all that He purposes us to accomplish — but He does not give us one moment to trifle away.

We have only one life to live — only one! –James Orr

For those who love the Lord His command is all the motivation they need to keep His precepts, but they also know there is a reward in doing so–“Then shall I not be ashamed..”. Because of their respect for God’s commands they are rewarded with a clear conscience—and that is no small thing. Joanna Baillie, 1762-1851, wrote:

I can bear scorpion’s stings, tread fields of fire,

In frozen gulfs of cold eternal lie;

Be tossed aloft through tracts of endless void,

But cannot live in shame.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him.”Proverbs 3:6

Beloved we are the Lord’s, the creatures of His power, the purchase of His blood, the subjects of His grace. He has set His love upon us, employed His wisdom for us, and is deeply interested in all that concerns us. Every thing we do, should be done with a view to His glory; and in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, we should let our requests be made known unto Him. Every thing should be mentioned at His throne. His presence, direction, and blessing, should be sought in reference to every circumstance of our lives. Our misery can never exceed His mercy, or our application at His throne find His ear pre-occupied. He is our Father, and as such ought to be honoured. We should ask of Him, and ask with the whole heart: for he that withdraws his heart in asking, will find God withdraw His hand in giving. Acknowledging God in all things will produce a steady peace of mind; preserve us from many temptations; and strengthen our faith in Him. He that always acknowledges God, will find that God always acknowledges him.–James Smith, 1840

Stretch o’er my head Thy guardian wings,
Secure my soul, O King of kings!
My shield and refuge be;
Thy grace and mercy, Lord, display
Through Christ the Life, the Truth, the Way,
That I may come to Thee!