January 25, 2025, the 25th day of 2025
Little Steps
Most of our lives we are taking little steps towards the person we are becoming. What kind of person we are going to be, depends on the direction... View MoreJanuary 25, 2025, the 25th day of 2025
Little Steps
Most of our lives we are taking little steps towards the person we are becoming. What kind of person we are going to be, depends on the direction our steps take.
Are we walking closer to the light, towards life, to truth, to righteousness?
Or are we walking closer to the darkness, towards death, to lies, to wickedness?
How are we to know what is right and wrong if we have not been taught the truth?
How do we know to choose wisely when evil worked hard to dull and destroy the conscience of the youth?
Where do we go for direction, to point our steps to?
God gave us the written word, the Bible to be a guidebook for humanity, to guide us in the way we are to go.
"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
Then God sent His beloved Son, the living Word, to guide us in the way we should go, by being the Way.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
John 1:1-5
When we follow Jesus, God's Word, we will find salvation and eternal life. We will find righteousness and truth.
But we won't understand what Jesus-the Word--expects of us, or even the path of salvation without understanding what the Bible says about living righteous and not following after wickedness.
The worldly system has been so corrupted that it would lead all to death and destruction. We cannot count on it, on the media or on the educational system to lead any to Jesus.
Even many churches have distorted God's word to pick and choose versrs and try to make it say what they want. Or they totally disregard it. The church cannot be depended upon as the light to the world.
Only prayerful study of the Bible, seeking God's guidance will lead us to the truth. But we must read the words of Jesus and obey them or we will remain unchanged
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
James 1:22
In the Bible the Book of Proverbs shows how to be wise and discerning on your path to seeking righteousness. It is a good place to discover verses to memorize and keep in your heart.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:7
" Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones."
Proverbs 3:3-8
Besides the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John--which should be read to learn some of the life and mission of Jesus, to hear His words and learn His commands, the book of Romans is a good starting place. It explains so much, in simple terms, and outlines much of what is evil, so we can avoid falling into its clutches.
Romans should be read from beginning to end, more than once. Even though once we have studied it and understand it, we often pick out and quote particular verses, many do not stand on their own and can be misinterpreted.
Without the clear picture the book of Romans paints from beginning to end, those verses won't be fully comprehended by those reading them. But when it comes to making a list of things to avoid, these verses are a pretty good list, even if we have read nothing else.
And the reason is clear, even if you did not read the explanation before, that when people refuse to listen to God--when they ignore Him and push Him out of their mind and actions--they are given over to what they do listen do. And each one of these things is wickedness and darkness.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Romans 1:28-32
So, even if you don't know exactly what to do, you can at least know what not to do.
The best way to avoid sin is to know what God calls sin and to avoid it.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You."
Psalms 119:11
When we walk in the way of the world, we are lost, we walk in darkness and death, we are deceived.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
I John 2:15-17
The only way to know the truth, in this mixed up world of lies and deception, is to study the Bible.
God does not sugar-coat anything. Even the sins of His beloved followers are shown when they stumble. But it is because they got back up and walked with God, that they prevailed in the end. Those that did not, were lost. Free will choices have consequences.
In the Bible we have an overview of the history that matters most to God. Until the end of the Bible where God shows the final outcome of these thins, nations rise and fall, people are faithful and disobedient, some betray and became hardened, others repent and turn to God. Satan deceives. People are fickle.
God's dealing with fickle humanity is clearly seen in the Bible. It can be found no place else.
Stay strong! Turn to and follow God's Word if you want to walk in the light!
NAN
