There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.—Proverbs 16:25
As I read Proverbs 16:25, my mind went backwards to the old me…to the me I was before I came to the Lord. Frankly, my way NEVER seemed right to me. Don’t get me wrong, most times I deceived myself into thinking it was right, but by God’s design and His grace I knew, deep down in my heart, that there was a God and that I was accountable to Him for my actions. Needless to say, I did not dwell on this truth. In fact, as time went on I barely let it up for air. The more I squelched it, the darker my thoughts and my way became. Romans speaks to this well.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.—Romans 1:20-21
Thankfully, through a series of circumstances (unfortunate, yet fortunate events) my gracious God painted me into a corner. That precious corner brought me to the end of me and to the knowledge of God.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,—Ephesians 2:4-6
Beloved…if this is you…if there is a place in your heart that knows that there is a God and that you are accountable to Him…don’t wait. Today is the day of salvation. Take that step of faith and do an about face…stop running from Him and turned toward Him who loves you with an everlasting love. Surrender to the One died while you were yet His enemy so that your sins could be forgiven and you could live forever with Him in heaven.
5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law [with all its intricate demands] shall live by it. 6 But the righteousness based on faith [which produces a right relationship with Him] says the following: "DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?' that is, to bring Christ down; 7 or, ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?' that is, to bring Christ up from the dead [as if we had to be saved by our own efforts, doing the impossible]." 8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— 9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations]." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. 13 For "WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED."—Romans 10:5-13 AMPLIFIED VERSION
20 He feeds on ashes;
A deceived heart has turned him aside;
And he cannot deliver his soul,
Nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"—Isaiah 44:20
28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil."—Proverbs 1:28-33
