Where there is great mental deftness, there is great potential for production and technical advancement. For all the accumulation of knowledge, however, there is no capacity to actually do what is right where there is no heart after God. Regimes and kingdoms through the ages have attempted governance using various methods from dictator to republic. To win an election or to be born into royalty does not directly result in a person who is capable of right decisions. When it comes to right and wrong, the mind might be helpful, but the heart will be the compass. Where there has been exposure of that heart to the Holy One it will be possible for a right choice to be made, but where evil has been harbored to the exclusion of His face, there will be no opportunity for righteous wisdom to preside. Out of the heart will flow the direction of the mind’s focus and the mouth’s declarations and directives. Try as they may, the administration that separates itself from the acknowledgement of the presence of God, is the one that will be attempting the building of a house on sand. Only the heart can bring the stability that is a foundational requisite and only in a passionate pursuit of God’s face can there be any wisdom displayed from a heart secured in Him.

For some reason there is a persistent determination in men to rise above the archaic ‘simplicity’ of those who have followed in the ways of their Creator. No matter the overall success resulting from founders who established order at the inspiration of the Spirit, minds tend to follow a path that leads away from a God-exposed heart. Somehow philosophies arise that determine it is better to trust in man than in God. It is better to be taken care of by a king, a dictator, or a government than to diligently put your trust in God. Rather than reaching for those God given abilities inside and drawing from the value they will produce, there is great incentive established to rely totally on the benevolence of an establishment that has no counsel from the One who designed us for a righteous end. To validate and somehow cover all the bases, the documentation for their proclamations accumulates to excessive size that makes it beyond comprehension or compliance. The way of the right, however, will require much less clarification and cover-up as His ways go directly to a solution that requires no repairs.

Where there has been a dimming of hearts to the clarity of God’s face, where tenderness to the presence of Jesus has never been or has waned, may there be an exposure that captures the heart. May there be a revelation of glory that surpasses the limitations of mental strategies and brings an introduction of the heart to the only place where right choices can be made. In us and in them may the way be found that leads upward towards the light of righteousness with its ever-fruitful end.

Several years ago I was involved in an accident in which I struck someone who crossed in front of me at an intersection. Because it was I who struck the other person and because I was overcome by the drama of the moment I immediately jumped out and expressed my regret at the damage done to the other vehicle. The problem with the words I was speaking, however, was that they legally became a confession of guilt that would later be held against me. Though the officer at the scene concluded that the other person errantly pulled in front of me, when we went to court to obtain a decision from the judge the declaration of my mouth at the time of the accident completely undermined the facts of what actually took place. My words unnecessarily determined my guilt. Since then I’ve taken driver’s training to obtain a bus driver’s license and one of the things they stressed in a time of conflict is to never say anything, to remain silent with regard to any negative admission. They indicated that too often perceptions are skewed at the time of crisis and words become a very critical part of later determination of innocence.

Though he experienced more than his share of conflicts, David, at the end of his life was able to claim that his words were direct expressions of the Spirit of Jehovah. Rather than letting his emotions and the drama of the moment dictate the sounds he would utter, he became conditioned by his continual meditation and confession of God’s Word to speak only Spirit words. At many of the different periods of his life he could have easily gone down a path of self condemnation in just rehearsing the apparent realities in his life. In fact several of the Psalms reflect this draw on him to proclaim the desperation of the moment, but there was always a return to the faithfulness of God and the declaration of His mercy and unfailing love. Words of wonder were continually overtaken by Spirit words that brought righteousness and right standing to an otherwise guilty and hopeless situation.

There is power right in our mouths today to avoid potential downfalls that are awaiting our response to the conflicts surrounding us. Where His Word has been continually placed in the tongue, there will be a Spirit word spoken and justification secured. The judgment will be ‘innocent’ and freedom gained.

For some reason there is this strong tendency and desire in man to be independent and prove that it can be done alone. From Adam and Eve to the men of Babel to King Saul and to us today, there is a continual draw to pull away from God dependence and show that we are somehow able on our own to improve on what He provides. While there is a thing of perfection given in His Word and demonstrated where He’s allowed to influence, man yet thinks himself to be higher than God’s way of proven excellence. What has also been proven is that every time this path of God-forgetting is chosen with an attempt to take His place, there will inevitably be an impending crash or fall. The great potential of man can never be separated from his complete and total need for the wisdom and understanding that only comes from above. Righteousness and doing what is right does not evolve and the wisdom that comes from God alone will exist through all the phases of time and history. No matter how it impacts our emotions or personal sense of rightness, the humility of choosing God’s way over some man-conceived plan is the only way to longevity and stability. While there may be perception of failure along the way, the search should be for where God’s way had been altered rather than declaring God’s way a failure and throwing Him out with the bathwater. Departing from Him as a distant memory with a pursuit of a new and fresh way that leaves the ‘failed ways of the past’ will only lead to a failure that makes those old ones seem quite small.

In pressing towards a new and better way, there is only hope in the way that follows the light of God’s love and His wisdom. For our nation and for the path that will today be ours as individuals, there will be an opportunity to realize we are but men in need of a Savior, that every step will require the direction of a Father who only has our best interest and success in store. The more quickly this is realized, the more quickly will come the wave of peace and security that a foundation in God alone provides. On the other hand, h there will be an opportunity to discover the frailty of a God-forgetting man with the doom his way will arrive at. It really seems so obvious and easy- choose what is right in God and live in the blessings He provides, or in pride insist on the precarious stepping of one who thinks himself to be able apart from God. Until there is knowledge of and fear over the consequences of misdirected reliance the insistent pressing towards independence will prevail, with its ominous ends. May steps be ordered of Him today for our nation and for each of our lives and may our thoughts and ways be settle in the unshakable wisdom of the Rock of our salvation.

Psalms 143:8 KJV
(8)  Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

“You clean up pretty good”. Like it’s some kind of ability you have– while, in fact, it has a lot to do with what you’re using to scrub with and whether or not you’re given to scrubbing. The real you just needs some revealing. There really isn’t anyone who will fail in going through the transformation from grimy and objectionable to spotless and presentable given the right soap and some new and stylish clothing. An unrecognizable makeover can be achieved with just a washcloth and some garments. For some soils it may require special solvents and for some physiques the right size and design of clothing, but there is always a way to the acceptable. One may have fallen into a nasty, muddy pit- but, there is a shower that will remove all traces of the dirt. Hands may have grease embedded in the skin, but there is a cleaner that will be most effective where normal soap may fail.
It may be true that a fall of any kind has brought on an identity that is less than acceptable. Soil may have brought on an appearance appropriate for where one has been, what they’ve been up to, and to what they’ve been exposed. But— As the old hymn declares so well, “There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins, and sinner’s plunged beneath its flood lose all their guilty stains.” There really isn’t a single person that is beyond the power of this cleaner to bring about the desired transformation to cleanliness. The only ‘but’ required is that it be applied, that one be given to scrubbing. Right here and right now the shower is on and waiting for all hearts to know what it’s like to ’clean up pretty good’, clothed in His righteousness and presentable before His throne of grace. But…….

Psa 35:24 KJV
(24)    Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

A couple things are taking place when a bold approach is made to a seat of judgment- confidence is strong in one’s own position, but there is also a certainty, developed through experience, that the one sitting in the seat of judgment will make the right decision. While there may be elements of fallacy, a relationship has been established where honest pursuit of what is right will be met with mercy and a heart of forgiveness.

I was somewhat on edge about something my son had chosen to do yesterday. From my perspective it wasn’t the best of decisions and there was a part of me that wanted to really point out this problem and correct it. While there still may be some things we’ll be working on, I was taken aback somewhat by the approach of my son to me at this critical time when he had a pretty good idea how I felt. Instead of avoiding me and hoping to somehow avert any confrontation, he came right up to me and began to speak to me about something that was motivating him, even though I could tell he was a bit sheepish about his other situation. While I’ll admit he’s probably very good at wrapping me around his little finger, I believe there were these other elements involved in his approach to me. I believe that, though he may be wrong in his choice, there is something very honest and pure in his motive, that in his heart he still believes his course of action was necessary and justifiable. And, while he knows how I feel about it, he also has this confidence in our relationship, that whatever the circumstance of the moment, we have something that will greatly influence my perception; that I will see his heart and be moved by the love in mine to make a decision that will be right for both of us. His rightness and mine together would bring the judgment resulting in the best outcome. Also, when I did approach the subject of his error, he was then receptive to what I had to say and sensitive to my heart, although I could tell it was something about which he still felt very strongly.

I believe there is a way to the corrected action and resolved behavior, that righteous judgment will result in the necessary actions to rectify any conflict. What I love about the reference to judgment in this Psalm, though, is that there is a relationship with the God of judgment that completely adjusts the position of both the Judge and the child approaching Him with a request for judgment. Though perfection may still be some distance from the child, there is an understanding, established in relationship, that the Father is going to understand the heart and provide the best course of action to bring rightness and conciliation to an otherwise condemning situation. Love is going bond rather than separate. Rather than avoid Him and hope for an overlooked error, a direct approach can be made to the Father of love with great confidence that He will be faithful and just to forgive and judge righteousness based upon who we are in Christ. Instead of a concealed and unresolved fault, there can be a bold approach to a throne of grace where help can be found and righteousness implemented. Judgment can actually be an anticipated action when approached with confidence in a relationship that is sure to bring justice and righteousness where separation and punishment might otherwise be expected.

There is an opportunity for a direct and confident approach to a Father who knows our frame, understands our heart and sees our completed potential in Christ. It will be right there in His presence where His judgment will bring righteous resolution to all that concerns us. May our approach be bold and continual.

Heb 4:14-16 KJV
(14)  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
(15)  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
(16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.

Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.

The way of righteousness will unfailingly lead to abundance. Better to follow the path itself rather than those who have walked it but may stray. Also, to wander from it oneself need not completely negate an influence given or impression made on others while walking on it.

I had this coach in junior high and high school that made a significant impression on my life. He always seemed to be the greatest example of discipline as he kept his body in toned physical condition and gave the impression that everything in his life was ordered and well established. He had this way of talking through tightened lips that made you feel either encouragement or an overwhelming sense of humiliation for committing anything that met with his displeasure. I remember the lecture he gave me for not participating in 8th grade football. He made me feel like I had personally failed him and that I was setting a pattern of quitting that would ever be a part of my life. Any chance of emulating even a part of the image he set as an ultimate standard was disabled by my failure. Because of this speech I determined that I would play football all four years of high school. I would do my best to restore his approval and somehow ascend a little closer to the incredibly high standard he portrayed in his own life. He inspired in me a desire to seek the way of diligence and discipline that would certainly lead to physical health and productive living. My adherence to the way he exemplified has ebbed and flowed through the years since, but this has never altered the legitimacy of the way itself.

While my coach presented such a great example of what lay further along the path of discipline, I later discovered that while the path was unfaltering, its follower could stray from it. My example, the one who could do no wrong, managed to burn a large portion of his house by using something other than just dry wood in his fireplace. Stepping off the path of what I’m sure he knew to be right, he did something that caused great damage and loss. This most certainly was not something that I will include in his list of virtues to be followed, but his failure on this one day will not in any way disprove the validity of the path he had spent a lifetime following. I will not be in danger of burning my house down some day because I choose to follow the path of discipline and hard work that coach exemplified. In fact, I can still be assured just as much as ever that health and productivity in my life will be greatly enhanced by carefully keeping to that path myself.

I’m sure Jehoshaphat had other examples of those before or around him who had chosen to follow a more politically popular path of tolerance for foreign gods and perverted practices. There was an example, however, in the early years of his father, Asa, that well displayed wisdom in following the path that feared and honored the Lord. Though there was a time in Asa’s later years, just as there was with David, when he chose to step off the righteous path with consequences, Jehoshaphat had presence of mind and wisdom enough to recognize that the path of holiness itself had never lost its validity. As a result of his determination to follow the ways of his father’s early years, letting God be his passion and his direction, he was blessed with many riches, favor and peace. His father’s example and influence for righteousness remained significant even though it may have not remained consistent.

There is a continual path choice laid out before us- the path of complete and total adherence to and dependence on God, and the path that is led by personal passions, whims, and opinions. There is an example given by any who has followed either of these paths before us that can greatly affect our choices. The destination of each of these paths, though, no matter the consistency of those that would walk them, will never be altered in the least. The way of righteousness leads inevitably to life, health, joy and peace, while the way of the flesh leads, without fail, to death and destruction. Though there may be some on the flesh path that would appear to be ‘prospering’ or ‘living the life’, there is no changing their destination- it’s death. On the other hand, the failures or inconsistencies of those on the path of righteousness will never alter the path’s destination of life. Also, the time spent on that righteous path will ever produce inspiration (like that of my coach) for a way that will itself never fail.

Inspired by greatness and providing that inspiration ourselves, the way for this day has an inevitable destination. Even though a step may have been taken in the other direction, righteousness will ever be the option, and it will never fail to produce its fruit in a fulfilled, productive and peaceful life.

Proverbs 2:20-22 KJV
(20) That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
(21) For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
(22) But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 11:18-19 KJV
(18) The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
(19) As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

There is something that sets the truly ‘right’ (or righteous) apart from those that just think they have ‘right’ figured out. The degree to which the heart has been marked by God through the cutting away of fleshly or worldly choices is the degree to which one can expect critical decisions to reflect His wisdom. When ‘right’ is a matter of the mind, perceptions and distortions of life can greatly influence the condition of the mind and its ability to correctly discern ‘right’ in any particular circumstance. Once the heart has been set apart, though, by identification with Christ that puts all the old to death and makes all things new in Him, there is no figuring of the mind that will dissuade the righteousness of God from being the standard that drives every decision, no matter the situation. In Him it will always be about who you are way more than what you know alone. As long as knowledge is a part of the cutting away process, where the entrance of His Word brings a transforming light and further death to flesh and enhanced exposure to God’s glory, it will be an essential instrument in the Great Physician’s hand. However, when facts or figuring is just piled up, categorized and analyzed without any real change to the heart, there may be a pretty image and an impressive act, but there will be no ability to truly make the ‘right’ choice when the tough gets going and mind perceptions change.

The heart choice will be the ‘right’ choice when that heart is in Christ, when it has been freely justified by Jesus’ righteousness. To know Him isn’t to just decide on a Christian religion. Really knowing Him is what happens when all that is wrong is cut away leaving a condition that is completely identified with and right in Christ. From this position and condition in Him, there is an ability to choose rightly from a heart that has been set free to be right, no matter how things used to be. When the heart has been submitted to His physician’s hands, the resulting condition will bring great confidence and assurance that, while certain things may still need improvement in us, the heart has been made right and can begin to follow a path that will bear great fruit in righteousness.

For those in leadership and for those that are trying somehow to find their way in life, there is a continual contention for rightness. Great debates will continue over differences in perceptions of the same facts and circumstances. There is a ‘right’ way, though, that is beyond just the interpretation of information. This is when ‘right’ is a condition of the heart. It may be that a decision made from a ‘right’ heart is all wrong according to existing information, but ‘right’ doesn’t always require all the facts when it’s coming from a heart that is one with the One who knows way more info and facts than ever could be obtained naturally. For those that are in positions of leadership, then, there needs to be prayer for their heart to be freed from the old wrong flesh so it may see clearly what is right and true in Christ. To contend alone in the realm of reason may be a lifelong endurance, where one moment under the Great Physician’s hands will bring rightness to their identity and condition that facts and knowledge alone will never attain.

Proverbs 14:12 KJV
(12)  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
(21)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

While all that extra stuff is actually serving a very useful and helpful function, for the person attempting to ‘pop the hood’ and look for a problem, it is so much more difficult now than back in the day when it was just the motor and a few other essentials. Now, if this ‘check your engine’ light starts shining, indicating some unseen problem, it’s virtually impossible to discover what is causing that light to be so persistent. Though there may be no obvious performance issues, there is still a legal problem, because you’re not supposed to get an inspection sticker until that light goes out. You can start blindly changing this or that, hoping to somehow accidentally fix it, but really the only and the easiest way to remedy the problem is to just break down and visit an automotive repair shop. There they have this nifty computer that will plug into the car’s computer and diagnose the exact cause of the warning light’s activation. Fear of other things possibly waiting to be discovered by the auto shop may make this a less than desirable option, but in the end, for the car to function properly, connection to the computer will be required. Even the seasoned mechanic will not pretend that he knows enough on his own, but just utilize the power of that machine he paid so much for.

It can be frustrating when warning lights go off, indicating that something is wrong somewhere and in some way to which you’re totally oblivious. How could this action, behavior, attitude, reaction even be possible in the life of someone who’s given their life to God? You might try to figure it out yourself- somehow put a stop to it by blindly trying this or that, but in the end there really is only one answer, going to the One who knows exactly how we’re put together and letting Him plug into us. Rather than stay away from and fear what may be discovered inside, it’s possible to savor and appreciate everything He’ll do for us while we’re plugged in to Him. I love the verses that precede this 12th one. They talk about the extensive virtues, attributes and abilities of God and how each one of them can have a direct effect on our state of being. Who would even consider self-repair or DIY when allowing Him to get inside will do so much more than turn off the error light; He’ll equip and enable us to function at peak performance levels, fulfilling our greatest purpose.

Getting plugged in is so much better than just staying away and attempting on your own what only He can do. Why fear anything else that might occur while there in Him? The very best will never be known by anyone trying to figure it out from the outside. You just have to let Him plug in, diagnose and do what only He can do- completely restore to optimal functionality.

Psalms 19:7-11 KJV
(7)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
(8)  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
(9)  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
(10)  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
(11)  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Things aren’t always as they would appear. Oftentimes it would seem, according to our own perceptions that things just aren’t right, that wholeness and completed purpose are somewhere far, far away. For the one who chooses to have their vision adjusted by the Holy One, however, there is an assurance and a comfort that, no matter how distant it may appear, His judgment with favor is very near.
There are two types of folks who are affected by the misperception of righteousness’ distance, those who might feel there is nothing legitimate about God and His followers and those who have been following Him with all that is in them, but have lost heart and hope with the overwhelming impact of salvation’s apparent distance. Any delay beyond expectations or hopes has the potential of tearing down faith and undermining the most important relationship of all.
Just around the next corner or over the next small hill a challenge awaits. If there is just another stretch of road or another hidden outcome, there will be reason to give up on the journey altogether and retreat to a more predictable place. Salvation, though, is a journey made by steps of faith that keep pressing towards a mark and never let go of that promise of life. When the prize is the focus, each milestone is but another reason to be encouraged that we’re just that much closer. The very things that are set up as challenges and roadblocks can become evidence that progress has been made. Instead of being discouraged and disappointed by the delay, it can, instead bring perfection to a resolve that has been established in the presence of the Master. When it is He who is taking every step with us, there is an overwhelming assurance that He holds all things in His hands, that His salvation is as near as a prayer. When it is His voice we’re hearing, there will only be encouragement and strength in His words. He will only reaffirm what He has already spoken, and if He said it, you can know it will come to pass. The only way complete salvation will never be known is if we can be convinced to give up and forsake the hope of His promise.
But, there is joy unspeakable, peace beyond understanding, and provision greater than containers oh so near for those who have discovered that all of this is found in Him rather than in circumstances. Just never giving up on wholeness that is right here and right now in Him will have great reward, fulfillment and God’s glory revealed.

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.