The Pilgrim Path---Proverbs 21: 29 (3—22—23)

“A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.”

“…A BOLD FACE”

You may enroll in assertiveness training, but if the precepts you espouse are against God (or simply untrue), you will end up having God as your adversary. You may have the support of friends and neighbors---but if your choices contradict God’s Word---your path is one of ultimate sorrow and ruin. Ours is the age of double-down---Never admit wrong---put on the bold face. Yet, for all the bravado, a soul may simply boldly go to hell. Tragic. The individual who has the righteousness of Jesus Christ credited to him by grace through faith---must always give thought to his ways. We are headed at warp speed to the Judgment Seat of Christ. We can ill afford to act as though, “we were just taking a break from reality.” The real reality check is coming. Our sins are covered by the blood of The Savior Jesus---what we want to do is give a good accounting as stewards of The KING. Wonderful insurance and guidance “against” the bold face---is provided by the Apostle Peter in First Peter 4: 7 – 11: Keep praying in accord with God’s Word / Keep Loving the Saints with a fervent Love---so you may even cover their short-comings---and Keep Serving with the gifts the LORD has given you. Urge Us on Spirit of God!

From Charles Bridges: The wicked man hardens his face against God’s ordinances. The godly directs his way by them; not waiting in inactivity for miraculous leading, but improving those ordinary means, which throw light upon every step. Temporals, as well as spirituals; trifles, as well as important matters, are brought under the eye of our gracious God.

From Thomas Brooks: The proud scorns the reprover and his reproofs too. Pride and passion go armed; touch them ever so gently, yet, like the nettle, they will sting you; deal roughly with them and they will become violently hostile.

From Jack Miller: So often we want to manage God while refusing to let God manage us. In the human heart there is a tower reaching for control even over God. But in his mercy, God dethrones us so we can learn about the Holy Spirit. Abandon your power plays, humble yourself, and repent…

Grace & Peace in Jesus, The Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason