“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.”
Psalms 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
Proverbs 4:1 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
Proverbs 4:10-17 Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 5:7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 6:20-35 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
Joshua 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
There is much we do when we are young men and women that as we grow older make us somewhat ashamed at now. The thoughts we had, actions we took, and things we did were influenced by our own sinful desires or that of others. Sometimes we got away with it and other times not so fortunate, at least that is what we were thinking.
I have seen young men and women who have never leave this type of life. They never learn from it, but rather, grab hold and then continually try to justify what they are doing well into their mid to later adult life. I wonder how many times they rejected wisdom, teaching, knowledge and instruction on a different path for their life. Yet they choose to continue.
“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD.“
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak“
I have seen others who can never forgive themselves for what they have done.
They know the thoughts that led them into the action they took and only a few years later, when knowledge and wisdom and instruction started to break through their heart, they see very clearly how selfish, mean, prideful, conceded, rude, and destructive they were.
This is where the gospel of Jesus Christ is so meaningful.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him“
“Your sins are forgiven.”
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.”
“By faith you are saved, not by works, lest any man should boast“
God removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west”
There is a forgiveness from God, through Jesus Christ, that cleanses our heart, mind, and soul. Satan will tell you this is not so. He will tell you you are not good enough. He will lie to you and say your sin is far to great and God will not forgive you. He will bring up past sins and tell you over and over again you are worthless and not forgiven. Yet God says:
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.“
Do not continue to walk in the ways of your youth. Run to God, who is the author and finisher of life and able to completely forgive us. Repent and ask for forgiveness of sin and know that HE HAS FORGIVEN YOU! Believe it, cling to it, rely on it, and trust in it always.
Choose to follow this new path of light. Continue to feed your heart, mind and soul with His word. Learn to respect and reverence His perfect purpose and plan for your life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
