Heeding God’s word lights way to good choices

We live in a day where the decisions we make today will impact our future and the future of our country, community and family as never before. These decisions will not only impact our world in our lifetime, but for future generations. The choices we make today will set in motion the legacy left behind tomorrow. Not only will this be brought to light on a national level later this year, but will be evident in our own lives and homes.

The examples of life, conviction, Godly principles and integrity will carry into our tomorrows with the evidence of a committed life. For sure, not a life free from mistakes because we all make them. But a life willing to take a stand for something, otherwise, we would fall for anything. What we do, our actions, speak louder than any words we can say. The challenge for us is to rise to the occasion, and once again renew our lives with the biblical principles that made this nation great. This is our legacy.

In Psalm 119:105-106 the Scripture reads, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep your righteous ordinances.” This portion of Scripture directs us to the answers for our lives. Those answers are found in the Word of God.

First, Scripture says that God’s word is a lamp to my feet. An example is when walking into a dark room, it is impossible to see without light. Or if we walk outside at night, how can we see where we are going without light? If we use a flashlight, we are able to see. That light can be used to show us what is at our feet as well as what is out at a distance. The Word of God is the same. His word is a lamp to my feet; those things that are placed before me today, God holds the answers for them.

Today, he can help us to get through the normal trials that would try and test our faith. Some of us walk through seemingly more than we can bear at times. The word of God hidden in our hearts, as we study and read scripture, will provide us with the light needed to make it to the next day. It will provide us with the strength needed to make the right decisions. God’s word and principles will give us answers for today and set the parameters of our lives. Going with the “flow” of everyone else should not be our legacy!

Second, God’s word is a light to my path. This reference takes us to the long-term destiny of our lives. How faithful is our God! Not only does he provide the insight and direction for our lives today, but has provided in Scripture all that we need for direction for our tomorrows. His word is settled forever in heaven and does not change. God has a destiny for each and every one of us, and his word will continue to guide us along our path. His word can only lead us if we pick it up and read it. Our time spent reading Scripture will place the word of God deep in our hearts and it will guide our path, showing, revealing and pointing us in the right direction.

Lastly, we need to make a decision of choice. As the above Scripture reads, “I will keep your righteous ordinances.” Yes, it can be costly, however, the reward of obedience is immeasurable.

Previous generations have planted principles into our lives, and now it’s our turn. The word legacy means “inheritance.” Let’s make a decision today that the inheritance we leave will go beyond the dollar amount and will be one that is alive today and pointing others to the Lord and His word — which will truly make a lasting impact on this generation.

XPatty Scahill of Struthers, who is a teacher, preacher, conference speaker and author, attends Christian Life Church in Canfield. A former women’s director of Teen Challenge in Youngstown, she is working on her second book, “The Wilderness Journey.”