I am alive. I must five. Life abounds on every hand bidding me to follow into the enormous perplexity of the future. For what purpose or goal are these beckoning hands directing me? Death is just as prevalent as birth, sorrow as joy, failure as success and falsehood as truth. Hopelessness and despondency which lead to despair and death are lurking in the way. However, ambition with determination and expectation to see good, peace and joy and success in life overshadows the ill advised as they succumb to moments of passion, pleasure, environmental situations and youthful explorations with pitfalls so deceitful and appealing. Men need to grasp a firm hold to higher plains, nobler thoughts and clearer visions to a committed life even in a society searching for an answer to, "What is good for a man to do all the days of his life?"

I am unable as Solomon did to take each hand and follow it until I have experimented and learned 'tis vain or worthy -but I have his answers and life's history to read. I have not a God-given wisdom by which to test each path in which the hand points - but I can read his holy word and understand. I can not wait and observe other travelers and see their end - but I can look through the windows that both sacred and secular history open and observe the kind of life offered with the resulting consequences. The way of the transgressor is hard. There is peace and victory in the way of righteousness. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (Jas. 5:7,8,10).

One must search for an unbruised staff upon which to lean, a true standard by which to evaluate and a guiding light by which to travel life's highway. The journey is on both land and sea. It is both rough and smooth. I need a motivating power, a compass and a stablizer to help move me in the right direction and keep me traveling the strait and narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14).

A purpose in life is an essential in right living, if one reaches a projection of righteousness. Knowledge is required by which to design one's life and then it must be lived or practiced, patiently and courageously. Without God, the very thought of what lies ahead is frightening. But with God, "I will fear no evil." With all the uncertain voices crying, "Lo here, lo there and lo everywhere in any and all directions," "where shall I go but to the Lord." I will "hold to God's unchanging hand." His voice is heard through His written word, the Bible. Read and think as you read, this beautiful expression of the Bible and its contents.

The Bible

"This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Herein Paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and hell is disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in judgment, and remembered forever. Its involves the greatest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its savored contents. It offers protection for infancy, happiness for childhood, inspiration for youth, strength for maturity, assurance for old age, comfort for death and salvation and riches and glory and reward for eternity. " (Author Unknown)

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 13, pp. 395, 402
July 2, 1987