Path Ponderings

Path Ponderings

Where Am I Going?

Proverbs 4:14-5:8

It was Angie’s 16th birthday. We had been friends for a long time and were not officially dating however I was going to go to Texas to celebrate her birthday. I was young then had a job had a little extra money…..

My Aunt and sister were going to join me as well. We started out, I because I had ridden with someone to Texas before, and Knew the way there, I didn’t ask for directions, I didn’t look at a map, I didn’t even take one with me. I just knew the way. From Foley where I lived at the time to Arthur City, TX was about a 12 hour trip. We stopped off about half way and spent the night, and started out fairly early the next morning with about a 6 hour trip ahead of us to make it in time for the BBQ and cake. When we finally arrived about 8-10 hours later we didn’t feel much like eating. I didn’t ponder our way I didn’t stop to think about where I was going, and I didn’t have any idea how to find it after awhile. We wound up way out in the middle of nowhere then downtown Tulsa where I could hardly find a soul that could speak English. Finally I found someone and they were able to help me get on my way.

I. Ponder the way of the wicked - (Nichole, Roger, Earl, Lawrence)

1. A dark way - Pro 4:19a The way of the wicked is as darkness:

A. The devil isn’t leading people he is luring people in the dark.

B. Have you ever got up in the night and forgot there was something in the floor.

1. The devil is luring you away just like a kidnapper does with candy or money. How often does the child get that, but the child suffers horribly if it even lives.

The story is told of Elvis Presley sitting in his palatial home at his beautiful golden piano someone asked him how he was feeling his answer was something to the effect of LONLEY why he was walking in the dark.

Had been raised in a Christian home but left it to walk in his own path. HOW ABOUT YOU?

OH GET INTO GOD”S LIGHT HE”LL GET YOU OUT

2. A Stumbling Way - Pro 4:19b they know not at what they stumble.

A. Why does some things attract people? Why do some people stumble over some things? Are you stumbling what are you stumbling over?

1. Drugs

2. Lust

3. Worldliness

3. A mischievous way -Pro 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

A. Solomon is not talking about practical jokes, he is speaking of someone who spoils or breaks in pieces someone else.

1. This can be done physically or by the tongue

A. Have you spread rumors about people

1. There’s a difference between fact and rumors

2. Do you pick on the les fortunate do you beat up or bully people.

4. It’s a thieving way -Pro 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

1. They take things from others. (David and Bathsheba, Uriah )

5. It’s an unstable way - Pro 5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

1. Watch the women young men. I don’t want to be graphic but I do want to warn you of this idea of “hooking-up”

A. Not only is it not safe it IS SIN. God’s design was for 1 man 1 women for life.

2. Watch the men young women. Honor yourself. Don’t let them pressure you.

II. Ponder the way of the Righteous - When my wife and I were married, I and my family had to take a trip to Texas again. No I didn’t take a map that time, I didn’t have to ask anyone, I knew the way in fact I lead the caravan all the way there. It was a stable way a way that I knew.

That doesn’t mean we know what is ahead of us we don’t know what tomorrow holds but as the songwriter says we know who holds our hand we know that He’s been before us He’ll get us there.

1. It’s a bright shining way - Pro 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

A. This is hinting at a day, when you get up a little before sunrise how there is just a little bit of light coming from the Eastern sky, but as the time goes on it gets brighter and brighter. So is the Christian life no it’s not a path of ease but it is a path of light.

1. Is the light shining in your path?

2. It should be a stable way - Pro 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

1. Watch where you are going.

3. Pro 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Pro 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

Pro 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Pro 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Just a few path ponderings - Nichole, Roger, Sis. Rosie, Bro. Broadway, Sis. Turner.

Not only was lives different after death was too.

Ponder the paths of your feet, It’s not how fast you are moving, but the direction you are going, that determines where you will end up.