Prov. 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is her.”

For the past two plus years, since my wife, Louise, entered Glory, I have frequented the mission house of Mile Straight Baptist Church probably a half-dozen times. Soddy Daisy was a suburb of Chattanooga, Tenn., 50 years ago when Dr. Al Goss became pastor of the church there. His son, Dr. Tom Goss, and the church have continued Brother Al’s vision. The verse of scripture God gave me early in the years of ministry of establishing churches is Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish . . .” I always emphasized the first half of the verse. It stands on its own and is a corner stone of the works God has given me for fifty-two years. However, the second half of the verse is a key ingredient, “but he that keepeth the law (Word of God), happy is her.” Happiness is the right affect of the proper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word, also the law.

For the Christian, seeking happiness apart from the Word of God is like seeking to make a long trip without enough gas in our tank and no money. Ps. 119:1 – “Blessed (happy) are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Happiness is the result of keeping one’s self undefiled and “in the way.”

If we want God’s leading we must be in the way. Jesus said, Jn. 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me. How simple! How profound! Jesus is not only the way, He is the only way. If I’m to come to the Father in prayer, and in truth, I must seek Him and search for Him in the Scriptures. Jn 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” Jesus is revealed in the scriptures.

II Tim. 1:12 – “For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

The apostle Paul, in writing to young Timothy, stressed that even though he had suffered many things he was not ashamed “for I know whom I have believed.” Paul not only knew what he believed, he knew “whom I have believed.” And I’m committed to His keeping of my soul and life – “against that day.” How wonderful to know that our salvation depends upon God’s keeping His word. He not only saves through faith in Christ, He is keeping us by His grace. Do you know “whom you believe?” Are you assured of His keeping you by grace through faith?

Today is the day of salvation. ;You can know you have eternal life if you truly believe