Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24.

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. Proverbs 4:11.

A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24.

Have you ever walked along a trail you have never been on before? If you have read about it or seen it on a map you may have expectations for where the trail will lead. It’s good to have markers along the path to assure us we are on the right trail we have chosen and how far yet we need to travel. I mention trails because this morning I realized I am walking blind on the trail of my life. I don’t know what will happen 2 hours from now, tomorrow or next year. I have expectations of what will happen. And I have chosen to walk on the path of faith in Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit. I have asked to be with Him and to learn from Him. I may not know what lies ahead but I know I can keep my eyes on Him and let go of my expectations and trust His leading. He knows 2 hours from now…tomorrow…next year…eternity. And the amazing thing about our God is that as you walk in faith with Him leading you, you will experience overflowing love and find your trust is in Him who loves you and not just you but all of His children. Have we seen enough of the love of mankind?

And our chapter, Proverbs 29, continues the contrast between those who love what is not good and those who love what is true. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan…Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad…Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger…Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end…When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall…Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire…Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction…Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor…Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe…v. 2, 6, 8, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25.

How can we not see the difference between life lived with God and life lived in opposition to all He is? God is holy, He is righteous, He is gracious, He is love, He is light, He is truth that stands for eternity. What about our life lived here on our planet of billions? How are we doing without His direction and love? Have we had enough? Do we want to keep walking blind? Do we ever consider that the reason God lets us choose our own way is so we can discover for ourselves the difference – because we live the difference? We live anxiety, fear, anger, hate, prejudice, pride, disbelief, blaming God for choices we have chosen. And when there is love that we remember or love that we long for, that love is from our God who is Love. He offers overflowing Love that brings healing to our hearts burdened with not Love. Love/not Love. Our choice always. If you want Love that is overflowing, ask. He will guide you and teach you and love you to overflowing and it is so Good! He knows the way. We don’t without Him. He will correct our hearts that have turned away from Him and lead us in His better way that brings healing we desperately need. Sin will never heal us. Our own lives teach us that. When you are weary of living a life apart from God, come to Him. Let His Love overflow into your heart and soul and know His peace and faithfulness. You will be changed from the inside where it counts. You will be Loved by Almighty God!