FOR THE GRADUATE

FOR THE GRADUATE

(Note: This is a message for all ages. It does not matter how old you are. Next to eternity we are all young. Today more and more older adults are graduating from various schools. So please receive this encouragement in the love in which it is entended.)

Congratulations on this very festive occasion! As a young man or woman you should be aware that life holds many surprises. Many a person has started out meaning well but has met with unexpected calamities or delays. But God, in His infinite wisdom has provided a sure way of success for you. While the Bible is filled with so many nuggets here are just a few to help you on your way.

Proverbs 4:13-16 NIV

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.   Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.  For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.”

Psalm 1 KJV (Please note that this means the man or woman.)

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Joshua 1:8-9 KJV

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” 

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
(Please note that this means the workman or workwoman.)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Matthew 6:33 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Proverbs 4 (NIV) (Please note that this is a message to women also.)

Wisdom Is Supreme

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.  I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.  When I was a boy in my ather’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,  he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.  Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.  Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.  Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.  I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.  Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.  For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.  They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.  The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.  But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.  My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” 

Ephesians 5:15-20

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but under-stand what the Lord wants you to do.  Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,  singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 6:1-3

“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”    SPECIAL NOTE: Please know that it is honorable to respect your parents.    When God tells us to honor our parents that does not mean to obey bad instructions.  Any loving parent is not going to ask a child to steal or do drugs.  But if parents ask their children not to hang out on street corners where there is known drug activity or not to engage in practices which are injurious to their health this advice should be strongly adhered to.  Obviously as we get older our parents are not to treat us as kids any longer but we are still to honor our parents.   Even as adults we are to always respect the ones who brought us into this world.