Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. 5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
The works of men exalt men, not God. The works of men trust in the
strength and wisdom of man to gain what the flesh lusts after and which
will perish, rather than trusting in the wisdom, power, and provision of
God in our lives, grateful for those things God has chosen for us. The works
of man lead to death.
The word God speaks to us leads in the way of serving God and trusting
in Him. As we follow each word we're given, we are turned from the ways
which exalt man and lead to destruction ... and to the ways of God which exalt God and which lead to life. As we walk according to the word of God, we are ruled by God, not by our own flesh or by those of the world, keeping us in the paths of God.
We are kept from the paths of the destroyer as we follow each word God speaks to us.
Jesus said ... The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they
might have it more abundantly. (John
10:10)
While considering these things, I've also been reminded of the
following ...
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee,
saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn
to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
As we hear God's word to us, that is the way we are to go.
Comments by Joan Boney
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation ... Phil. 2
This is just one example of a word that will turn lives around when that word is followed.
If we deliberately eliminate those things that make ourselves of "reputation" among men, we will avoid many of the traps of this life.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. II Tim. 6:8