Proverbs 4:18 “but the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day”
When I visited the prisons in Central America it was a shock to my system. I think I expected them to be maybe a little bit poorer than in Europe, but I was not ready really for the vast differences that were everywhere to be seen.
In one prison there was one lady who had the role to help the inmates. I think there were around four to five hundred men in that prison. Many of the men had no idea what the charges were against them, what the court date maybe, or even what the possible outcomes were for them.
This lady cycled in from the nearby town each morning and then cycled home again in the afternoon. Her office was in an adjoining courtyard to the prison. Her role was to help the men understand their situation.
The men could be from villages many miles away from the prison, their family may not know where they are, perhaps believing them to be dead. I can’t imagine how difficult her job would be, to make sense of just one person’s situation would take two or three people a few weeks I thought. It could be easily overwhelming.
Every time we visited, she was there, smiling, working, helping, cycling. When I remember this lady I think of this scripture.
It would be so easy to complain of the injustices, or lack of resources, of poor leadership, of government failings…..and another hundred things. But I don’t think she worked for the prison service, the government, or even for the men wrongly accused. I think she saw herself as working for the King of Kings. I think that changed everything – especially where her trust was each day, in the face of impossible situations.
I so love the people of Honduras, they are gracious, gentle and love life. As you will see from the photo, we had loads of fun as well.
KNOWLEDGE
Having considered the ways and the outcomes for those people who chose to ignore God’s instructions, insights, and wisdom, in the last 4 verses, the writer flips back again to illuminate the outcomes for those who do choose willingly to listen to God. There is a contrast thrown into sharp focus, as we move from the bread of wickedness and the wine of violence straight into an experience of dawn and a day that just keeps getting better.
We sow a thought, it becomes an action, we sow the actions, they become habits, we sow the habits and we have our character. Our enemy is looking to sow a thought for a toehold, that can become an action that is a foothold, and eventually a lifestyle that is a stronghold. Each seed we allow to sow into our life has a source.
We are in the battle, dependant on God’s kindness to lead us to repentance, and in response to His great love for us, we learn day by day how to allow that love to reach us, and then through us to reach others – gradually day by day we become a little more like Jesus.
The good news is that God has completed the work already on the cross – and in a way just as we as parents can see the great possibilities for our children, God much more powerfully already actually sees us as the finished article, like Jesus. What confidence that brings to us, the battle has already been fought, the price already paid, the victory already assured.
We can walk with confidence into each day knowing we are not under any penalty, and that we are assured of a future that is fully prosperous, already prepared, and soaked in peace. As the writer so wonderfully says, “….shines brighter and brighter until full day”.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word used for “dawn” in Hebrew is “nogah” and this word appears 19 times in the Old Testament. It is translated in the ESV into the English words, brightness; dawn; shining; light; and, flash {Hab 3:11}.
Here in verse 17, we pick up on the idea of radiance, brilliance and splendour.
WISDOM: what seeds of thought are you sowing into your life today?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: The Theme Dynamic of Achiever and Developer brings others success to your door.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [the well-trodden road of your conduct, your manner of living is not under penalty, rather it’s like the break of day, bringing relief from all trouble, enlightening and brilliant. You are always increasing, prosperous inside and out towards fullness.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today.
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I don”t remember the msn’s name, but that photo was taken at Rio Plátano in the Mosquito Coast.
Working for the King and relying on Him to go the distance and be gradually transformed. A well timed encouragement. My caseload is hectic, suicidal adolescent clients and complex couples make for exhausting work but this helped me to look up, trust Him, persevere for Him.
Thank you pastor Allan. I am trying to sow thoughts of His unfailing promises.
the well trodden road of your conduct, your manner of living is not under penalty, rather its like the break of day, bringing relief from all trouble, enlightening and brilliant. You are always increasing, prosperous inside and out towards fullness.
I love your version. Reading theallankey.com in the morning after reading Andrew Denton’s Kingdom Builders, really confirms that my future is secure and already prepared. Fully prosperous and soaked in peace.
He shall supply all my needs…
Amen 🙏
Yes, we can easily do the blame game and go on a pity party, but when we know what our purpose in life is, nothing phases us. It’s where the passion and our motivation lies. Thank you for today’s message Pastor Allan.
We reap what we sow. God is still on the throne.
I love this and very encouraging – I think she saw herself as working for the King of Kings.
Day by day we become like Jesus. We sow a thought, it becomes an action, we sow the actions, they become habits, we sow the habits and we have our character. Wow so much Gold Ps Allan. Love!
I think she saw herself as working for the King of King. – love this, so encouraging. An excellent reminder that when we work, work as if we are working for the Lord.
Love your wisdom thought on seed sowing. So good!
“We sow a thought, it becomes an action, we sow the actions, they become habits, we sow the habits and we have our character. Our enemy is looking to sow a thought for toehold, that can become an action that is a foothold, and eventually a lifestyle that is a stronghold. Each seed we allow to sow into our life has a source.”
I love this Allan, a really great explanation !
Pastor Alan reading your story of that women working with all them men, dealing with soooo many issues that she mostly dealt with herself and no one there really helping but as you said, she’s there working cycling to work, but do it with joy, all of this must been inspired by the Holy Spirit, what a Godly woman 👍🏾👏🏽😂
The price is already paid, the battle is won and victory is assured. We can now walk in confidence into each day knowing that we are not under any penalty. We are assured of a future which is fully prosperous and already prepared – so good!
We can walk with confidence, knowing that Jesus has paid the price for us on the Cross. It brings us immense peace and joy. We cannot sow seeds into the enemy’s path. Step by step, a thought, an action, a habit will mould our character into what God wants us to be.
The lady in your message was brave and selfless , to work in such dangerous circumstances. God’s protection was over her, and all of you.
We can walk with confidence, knowing that Jesus has paid the price for us on the Cross. It brings joy and peace into our lives. We cannot sow seeds into the enemy’s way. Step by step, a thought, an act and a habit will mould our character to become the person God wants us to be.
The lady in your message was indeed brave and selfless, to work in such dangerous conditions. But God’s protection was over her and all the missionaries.
Thanks Pastor Allan – what a beautiful woman in amongst all the degradation.
What a contrast of someone following the ways of Christ as compared to those who in live in darkness & wickedness.
The more you purpose to walk in God’s ways the more a habit is sown which ultimately builds character. Character attracts success & a life which gets better & better! Our choice of attitude & discipline to do what the Lord requires of me & in staying humble & being repentant are strong attributes to flourishing in God. Choosing to be joyful & faithful in giving God all the glory & seeking to dedicate our daily work & life to Him will bring great freedom & reward.
A brilliant message pastor Allan .
How we are finally moulded into our character by the choices we make for ourselves.
Everyday I need Gods word to help me be a better person to be transformed by his grace and love .