Proverbs

Proverbs 4:18-19 says:

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

There are two ways, two paths in life.

One is bright and gets even brighter still. As time passes, the brightness and the light shines ever more and in greater intensity. This is the way of the righteous person. This is the way of the Lord.

The other is the way of the wicked. It is shrouded in darkness and that darkness causes people to lose their bearings, and dull their senses as to what is around them. The way of darkness causes people who walk in it to become completed blinded and unaware of their true condition, and to stumble and fall.

Too often we complicate life. We love to debate various shades of grey. We love to look for loopholes and ways around what God has said. We love to justify why it can’t be “that simple”.

But God says there are two ways. The way of light – the way of the righteous. And the way of darkness – the way of the wicked.

A person of faith understands to take this simple truth, to believe it, to discern what is light and what is darkness and to choose the light.

PRAYER: Father, I choose to walk in the light, your light. Reveal darkness in my life. Show me that I may repent of it. Illuminate my way. In Jesus name, Amen

Proverbs 3 verse 5 and 6:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight

These are two incredible verses! So incredible, if you were to base your life upon just these two verses, you would be doing very well!

1. TRUST in the Lord – First and foremost, do you TRUST Him? He is trustworthy. Do you hold him number one in your heart, in your affections, in your decision making? Do you know his goodness and grace? The first thing you absolutely NEED to have a conviction about is that God is good, He is FOR you, His ways are best and you can TRUST Him!

2. Don’t Lean on Your OWN Understanding – This is contrary to everything you are taught in this world. You don’t know best. You can’t trust yourself. But there is one you can trust. Obeying God and leaning on His wisdom and strength does not necessarily involve you understanding everything in this life (see point 1). We need to exchange self-sufficiency with faith and Spirit-led living.

3. In All Your Ways Acknowledge Him – You don’t live in a vacuum. You don’t live according to the “hat” you are wearing. Whether you are at work, with friends, at home, or church – live your life in such a way that you faithfully represent the King of Kings. From the biggest decisions to the smallest habits, you’re representing the name of Jesus.

4. THE PROMISE! If you do these three things, there is a pay-off. A promise to this way of life. It is that God will make your path’s straight.

Straight paths take you directly to where your destination is. Straight paths do not involve long and winding detours. Straight paths are easy to follow and hard to get lost on. Straight paths direct you to where you need to step next.

This is the way of God that He has for those that trust Him, lean on Him and acknowledge Him. Let’s live it!

PRAYER: Father, I choose to make this my prayer. I trust you. I choose not to rely on my own abilities. I will acknowledge you in all things. Direct and guide me Lord, in Jesus name Amen.