The way that seems right
”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. “
Proverbs 16:25 NKJV
There comes a point in most people’s lives when they have to come to grips with the fact that their way of doing things is just not working. For some it comes in time for them to course correct and others are lost forever.
”Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! “
Luke 15:11-17 NKJV
Notice the course correction “But when he came to himself”. When he found himself in dire straits feeding hogs while he himself was starving, he snapped out of the delusion that his way was the right way.
Why do we wait so long before we decide that God knows what He is doing?
”“Your ways and your doings have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reaches to your heart.”“
Jeremiah 4:18 NKJV
Let’s look at Thomas:
”Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “
John 14:5-6 NKJV
Thomas knew Jesus. He just didn't realize Jesus was The Way. Likewise, people today know portions of God's Word but don't realize that God's Word is their way to victory.
People cry out for God to speak to them while their Bible lays unopened on their nightstand. God has spoken to us through His Word. We must believe it and receive its truths as The Way to victory.
”O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. “
Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV
”Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. “
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
The Word of God was written under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It was not written for “head knowledge”, but to the innermost part of our hearts. This is why some people find the Bible so hard to understand. They are trying to comprehend it using only their mind. The Word of God has to inspire our hearts before it can enlighten our minds.
”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “
Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV
A new Spirit:
”For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”“
Luke 12:12 NKJV
”If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. “
Galatians 5:25 NKJV
”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “
Romans 8:14 NKJV
It’s time to get serious about God. Time to quit relying on what you think you know and really get to know about God.
Dig into The Word and really listen to what God has to say about you and your situation.
”For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. “
Romans 8:15-17 NKJV
God wrote a book, just one.
”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. “
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
If your way of doing things isn’t working, isn’t getting you where you need to go, you have reached the crossroads. Continue in the bondage of believing you can do this on your own or surrender to Jesus and be free.
”Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, “
I Peter 5:6 NKJV
”Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. “
Romans 8:26-27 NKJV
There IS freedom and victory in Jesus!
”Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. “
John 8:36 NKJV
All the answers are in The Word. Seek and you WILL find!
”“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “
Luke 11:9 NKJV
Come to yourself! Snap out of it!
”Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. “
Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
”In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. “
Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
