Pastor’s Desk January 27th

Posted on 27Jan CATEGORIES: Pastor's Desk

Scripture Passage: “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.” Proverbs 4: 14-16

Dear Friends,

I am not addicted to television, but when I do watch it, I like shows related to law enforcement or forensic evidence. In almost every scenario presented, a person who is murdered was at a club, bar, party, or frat house and alcohol, drugs and sexual activity were readily available. They imbibed without any restraint or concern for morality. The ability to make clear headed decisions was sacrificed to the gods of pleasure. If the victim was not in one of these places, at least the perpetrator had been there or was under the influence at the time. It is rare that a case is presented where an innocent person was at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is even rarer when a victim’s life was lived within the triangle of work, home, and church. A person who lives their life with diligence and focus on these points, has very little time to be engaged in foolishness. A person who lives to party will eventually fall into a trap that will shorten their life. Solomon knew this and gave godly advice to his son to stay away from these places and refrain from these addictive substances over three thousand years ago. The difference between being wise and foolish is often defined by a fine line of where we go and who we associate with.

Solomon’s advice to his son was to avoid the path of the wicked. The best way to avoid this path is to stay away from it entirely. Plan in advance ways to not even pass by it. If circumstances lead you near that path, turn from it immediately and go in the opposite direction. It takes a conscious effort on my and your part to guard ourselves against impropriety. As a young man, I would catch myself premeditating how to put myself in an area of excitement, enticement and opportunity. God was so wonderful to guard me when I did not have enough sense to protect myself. The world is alluring and seductive and not many people are strong enough to fight these temptations on their own. Solomon said this is where wisdom comes in. Wisdom allows you to see beyond the moment and weigh the consequences of your actions.

My final thought for the day is that Satan desires to see you fall. He places that same desire within your enemies and neither can sleep until they have accomplished their task. They are set upon creating mischief in your life. They will present the opportunity, provide the passionate desire, promote the sinful pleasure and persist in weakening your moral convictions. The enemy is relentless in his attacks. Just because you are able to resist this time does not mean he will not tempt you again. His tactics are brutal. Some of his attacks are head on and straight forward. Other attacks come from your blindside as he tries to out flank you and catch you off guard. Many attacks are subtle. You do not realize what has been going on until you have gone too far or are in a weakened position hard to defend. Solomon said the best way to defend against the devils tactics is to stay completely away from activities that give him the upper hand. Don’t even go down that path. Stay away from it and you have already won half the battle. The rest of the battle belongs to the Lord and with his help you will win the victory.

In Christ,

Pastor Johnny