Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2183117951984132/?source_id=181918175166472

June 4th

The Bible reading today is in Proverbs 4,5,6. Some practical warnings from a father to his children.

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” ‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our bibles instruct the older to teach the younger. The young believer must be open to learn from the experience of the older learner of God. So, Solomon gains wisdom from God and passes it down to the younger generation. It’s like my dad said, “Son if you’ll listen to me, you won't have to wind up in the same ditch that I found.”

So, I could choose to listen and learn, or I could refuse to learn and do my own thing. And sadly, I did much of my own thing growing up and the consequences were painful. As a child and as an adult.

Solomon warned his kids...”Don't go in the way of the wicked...avoid it all together...” ...”the way of the wicked is deep darkness...leading to violence and death...” “Your path is the one of the righteous...it’s like the light of the sun’s dawning...” ”yes...from somewhat dim to bright and brighter”...“the “darkness of fear” is chased away and “faith” is strengthened.

Isn't that good? By the way. Let us not miss Jesus here. The way of the righteous “is” Jesus. Paul said that we were in Christ. The one who became not only wisdom to us but also righteousness. Our “position” before God, fellow believer, is Christ’s righteousness in us and for us. The “way of the righteous” is Christ in us. For He is the Way and He is Righteousness Personified. In and through us who believe Him.

To another part of Solomon’s journal for his children...“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon taught his family that they were to “keep” their heart...meaning....guard it! Guard it from ever becoming double hearted. Keep it “only” for widom...for Jesus who is our wisdom. Guard it from becoming a hard heart. Keep it soft for desiring God. Guard it from becoming a proud heart. Keep it humble. God gives grace to that heart. Guard your heart from becoming an unbelieving heart. Keep it for faith. God finds pleasure in it. Guard your heart from becoming a cold heart. Keep it warm for people and hot for God. Guard your heart from becoming an unclean heart. Keep it for purity. That it might see God.

God said through Solomon that the children were to guard their hearts with all diligence. Diligence / Vigilance...implies that it won't be easy to keep one's heart for wisdom. But we are not left to guard it alone. The Holy Spirit in us is alert to the enemies of our new heart...and He will alert our minds and fight for us and with us.

And why is it worth the work and the fight to keep our hearts pure and single-minded toward Jesus alone? Because joy for life springs from that guarded heart for Christ our Lord!

Have a good day