Which Path Are You On?
Proverbs 2: 12-15
"Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.
The 'mind pop' I got while reading these verses, is kind of strange... I saw a path, that started out straight, but then turned in to a very twisty, crooked path. Sharp bends, big swerving rounded bends... Trees lining the path. Some giving shade, and some causing the path to be blocked all together. Up ahead, there is light, bright and warm, inviting. Here walking in the trees, there is darkness, shadows, a feeling of "secrets" - the air is cold, but not refreshing. Walking along, there are people on the path - they seem to want to debate over which path to take. The majority of the people, want to stay on the 'adventurous, fun path' verses getting to where they need to be in good time. They are convinced, that the 'action' is along the path that is most challenging. Then there is a choice to make in the road. As we approach, there are people standing there, talking, laughing, yet, they are eyeing us as we approach. They use words of flattery, enticement, and seem to know what each one of us, would really "like" to be a part of. They speak of good things, adventures, fun, freedom, pleasure... They use the language that each of us would understand deep inside our inner most being. As a few of those walking with me, choose to go down the path that is full of pleasure, the group on the corner, start laughing. Like, talking behind their backs as they go on down the road. They are enjoying the pending doom of those that have chosen to take that path. They actually are filled with joy at the destruction coming to those that chose to go that way. They are hidden behind the false words and promises they say to each person. Like a shield, a covering, that disguises their true identity.
Then as a few of us look in the other direction; we see the light again. There is another person, just one, that stands with confidence, tall and pure. Their whole being beckons us to come that way, on that path. Just a step or two in that direction, brings peace, joy, relief, safety. A little further down the path, there is nourishment, fulfillment, satisfaction. As we walk in this direction, we glance back, and through the darkness, and twists and bumps of the other path - we see and hear anguish, sadness, heartache, disgrace, embarrassment, shame. The feelings are so intense, that it is as if we are walking right next to each other, but on separate sides of a fence. We are in the basking light of warmth and safety, while they are in darkness, cold, damp, draining, and they are utterly exhausted on their journey. It seems as though, we have all traveled the same distance, in length - but two completely different experiences! We realize, that we are getting a glimpse of their path. We (on this path, walking) are being directed and instructed as to what steps to take, how fast or slow to go, and even when to stop and rest. We are also being shown skills that are helping us along this road. Helping us each and every step of the way. This is true wisdom. As we get to another section in the journey, there is another "fork" in the road. Another time that we will have to choose which road we want to go down. There, standing in the way, is another group of people, very much like the ones back at the other intersection. Looking down the new twisted path, it seems even darker than the one before. Heavier with thick air. Not as much light coming through the leaves. The trees themselves, look even more intense than the ones that we just left. Again, a few in our group, decides to take that other path, and they get sucked in to the journey, that seems like more fun.
The interesting thing I see now - is that there are a couple of people, from the other path - that are just begging the people at the entrance, to let them out, so they can come over to our path, and try walking with us for a while. The problem is, the 'gang' at the entrance of that other path, is not very willing to let them just run off to a different way! So, they try and stop them, tell them all sorts of things that will cause them to doubt and even fear coming over to this path.
It worked for a few. They turned back, and continued in the darkness. But it also didn't work for a few! The person on our side, reached out to them and helped them (saved them) to break free of the bondage and traps set by those in the darkness. They come out looking dirty, disheveled, worn out, weak, malnourished... However, once in the light, they are bathed in the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. They are made new, clean, fresh! They are feeling guilty for how wonderful they are being treated. They are so down and depressed, but they see in us, something they want. So, they keep following us on the path we are taking. As we travel, together, they start to feel like they belong. Like they CAN actually make it to the light at the end of this path. They feel renewed, and have a deeper more joyful strength and commitment! It is a wonderful thing to see! To come along-side of these people, and point them in the right direction - it is SO rewarding!!!
Wisdom, true wisdom and understanding, can only come from the Lord. We can only get this wisdom when we spend time with Him, build a relationship with Him. This is done by walking on the path that wisdom lays before us. By reading our bible, by gathering together in church, by living life together with other believers in a life group/small group. We can only build and deepen our relationship with Jesus by talking with Him. Daily, hourly even! We MUST 'pray' or talk with Him! We are instructed to confess our wrongdoings, our hopes, and dreams to Him as well. We are also, instructed to put on the full armor of God, DAILY, in order to be protected against the devil and his army. Dear Friend - please understand, that you CAN get and be wise with the Lord Jesus Christ. Better than book-wisdom any day!!
I am praying for you today. That you will seek truth, and be brave to ask Jesus to show you which path you are on. What or who you are trusting in. I pray you break free from the bondage of darkness, in any area you may be stuck in. I also, praise God for the warmth of His light and guidance in your life! That you will bask in His glory, grace, mercy and forgiveness! Be well today my friend. <3
"Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.
The 'mind pop' I got while reading these verses, is kind of strange... I saw a path, that started out straight, but then turned in to a very twisty, crooked path. Sharp bends, big swerving rounded bends... Trees lining the path. Some giving shade, and some causing the path to be blocked all together. Up ahead, there is light, bright and warm, inviting. Here walking in the trees, there is darkness, shadows, a feeling of "secrets" - the air is cold, but not refreshing. Walking along, there are people on the path - they seem to want to debate over which path to take. The majority of the people, want to stay on the 'adventurous, fun path' verses getting to where they need to be in good time. They are convinced, that the 'action' is along the path that is most challenging. Then there is a choice to make in the road. As we approach, there are people standing there, talking, laughing, yet, they are eyeing us as we approach. They use words of flattery, enticement, and seem to know what each one of us, would really "like" to be a part of. They speak of good things, adventures, fun, freedom, pleasure... They use the language that each of us would understand deep inside our inner most being. As a few of those walking with me, choose to go down the path that is full of pleasure, the group on the corner, start laughing. Like, talking behind their backs as they go on down the road. They are enjoying the pending doom of those that have chosen to take that path. They actually are filled with joy at the destruction coming to those that chose to go that way. They are hidden behind the false words and promises they say to each person. Like a shield, a covering, that disguises their true identity.
Then as a few of us look in the other direction; we see the light again. There is another person, just one, that stands with confidence, tall and pure. Their whole being beckons us to come that way, on that path. Just a step or two in that direction, brings peace, joy, relief, safety. A little further down the path, there is nourishment, fulfillment, satisfaction. As we walk in this direction, we glance back, and through the darkness, and twists and bumps of the other path - we see and hear anguish, sadness, heartache, disgrace, embarrassment, shame. The feelings are so intense, that it is as if we are walking right next to each other, but on separate sides of a fence. We are in the basking light of warmth and safety, while they are in darkness, cold, damp, draining, and they are utterly exhausted on their journey. It seems as though, we have all traveled the same distance, in length - but two completely different experiences! We realize, that we are getting a glimpse of their path. We (on this path, walking) are being directed and instructed as to what steps to take, how fast or slow to go, and even when to stop and rest. We are also being shown skills that are helping us along this road. Helping us each and every step of the way. This is true wisdom. As we get to another section in the journey, there is another "fork" in the road. Another time that we will have to choose which road we want to go down. There, standing in the way, is another group of people, very much like the ones back at the other intersection. Looking down the new twisted path, it seems even darker than the one before. Heavier with thick air. Not as much light coming through the leaves. The trees themselves, look even more intense than the ones that we just left. Again, a few in our group, decides to take that other path, and they get sucked in to the journey, that seems like more fun.
The interesting thing I see now - is that there are a couple of people, from the other path - that are just begging the people at the entrance, to let them out, so they can come over to our path, and try walking with us for a while. The problem is, the 'gang' at the entrance of that other path, is not very willing to let them just run off to a different way! So, they try and stop them, tell them all sorts of things that will cause them to doubt and even fear coming over to this path.
It worked for a few. They turned back, and continued in the darkness. But it also didn't work for a few! The person on our side, reached out to them and helped them (saved them) to break free of the bondage and traps set by those in the darkness. They come out looking dirty, disheveled, worn out, weak, malnourished... However, once in the light, they are bathed in the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. They are made new, clean, fresh! They are feeling guilty for how wonderful they are being treated. They are so down and depressed, but they see in us, something they want. So, they keep following us on the path we are taking. As we travel, together, they start to feel like they belong. Like they CAN actually make it to the light at the end of this path. They feel renewed, and have a deeper more joyful strength and commitment! It is a wonderful thing to see! To come along-side of these people, and point them in the right direction - it is SO rewarding!!!
Wisdom, true wisdom and understanding, can only come from the Lord. We can only get this wisdom when we spend time with Him, build a relationship with Him. This is done by walking on the path that wisdom lays before us. By reading our bible, by gathering together in church, by living life together with other believers in a life group/small group. We can only build and deepen our relationship with Jesus by talking with Him. Daily, hourly even! We MUST 'pray' or talk with Him! We are instructed to confess our wrongdoings, our hopes, and dreams to Him as well. We are also, instructed to put on the full armor of God, DAILY, in order to be protected against the devil and his army. Dear Friend - please understand, that you CAN get and be wise with the Lord Jesus Christ. Better than book-wisdom any day!!
I am praying for you today. That you will seek truth, and be brave to ask Jesus to show you which path you are on. What or who you are trusting in. I pray you break free from the bondage of darkness, in any area you may be stuck in. I also, praise God for the warmth of His light and guidance in your life! That you will bask in His glory, grace, mercy and forgiveness! Be well today my friend. <3
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