Straight Paths

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Straight Paths
Devotion for  September 05, 2009
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK

I Corinthians 16:1, 2
"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

God demands and deserves first place in our lives, our hearts, and our schedules. This includes our commitment to the assembly of the saints and public worship. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to keep the Sabbath day holy as a day of rest and worship. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the churches met daily for teaching and fellowship; but the first day of the week was recognized as the primary day for public worship. Our text provides specific instruction for the "collection for the saints" on "the first day of the week." This pattern is clearly seen in the New Testament. Acts 20:7 says, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread." Sunday is referred to in Revelation 1:10 as "the Lord's day."

The first day of the week should be observed as a day devoted to God for worship, ministry, and rest from secular activities. Salvation is not found in the church. But the New Testament makes it clear that assembling with the church, as well as serving and fellowshipping with the body of Christ, should be a priority in the lives of believers. We are to be faithful members of the church body to which the Lord has added us. We need the other members of the body, and the members of the body need us. God has chosen to feed, lead, and protect His sheep in the context of the church. The pastor, under Christ, is the shepherd of the flock. We are admonished to be faithful to the assembling of the saints together. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

In our day, church attendance is increasingly neglected. When we fail to assemble with the other members of the body, we miss the fellowship, the joy of worshipping with the family of faith, and the preaching of God's Word. But, we also miss the opportunity to meet with Jesus as He meets with His church. Jesus promised to be in the midst of His churches. As sincere Christians, seeking to live by biblical priorities, church attendance is of the utmost importance.

Taken from this webpage of Straight Paths daily devotions
http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY
Devotion for September 15, 2009

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."
Romans 13:1, 2.

The Bible teaches very clearly the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority structures in our lives, including the way we relate to civil or governmental authority. The Scripture speaks directly to the subject of the believer's attitude and response to those serving in positions of authority. The word power refers to the power of authority, and the structures of authority "are ordained of God." God has ordained, or ordered, the authority structures for our lives. This includes the family, the place of employment, and the church, as well as the government. Later in this chapter, it is taught that those serving in civil authority serve as "the minister of God to thee for good" (Romans 13:4). They are God's servants.

Because their authority is God-ordained, we are to be "subject unto the higher powers." Our submission to authority should not just be to avoid judgment or severe consequences. It should be because in our hearts, we know it is right. We are to reverence the position of those in authority over us. When a person resists, or rebels against authority, he is resisting God's order or arrangement for his life. "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." This is what makes rebellion such a serious offense. When one rebels against authority, he is also rebelling against God; for the Lord is the One that delegates authority for our lives. Therefore, this resistance will be judged by Him; "and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." The only time we see the approval of civil disobedience in the Scripture is when those in authority required God's people to disobey the biblical commands.

It is important that we pray for leaders, that they will honor and obey the Word of God. We are taught in the Bible to pray specifically for those in places of authority. One of the most important lessons of life is the principle of obedience to authority. Our ultimate authority in life is God and His Word. Above all, we are to honor and respect the Lord, and cheerfully submit to His lordship and rule in our lives.


Taken from http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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SO MUCH THE MORE
Devotion for October 21, 2009


"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:25.

The Bible places great emphasis on the importance of our membership in a sound church, our faithful attendance with that assembly, and our contribution to that body of believers. All of these responsibilities are referred to in this Scripture. Anyone who is observant and attentive to current religious trends knows that the doctrine of the local assembly is much maligned. Para-church organizations flourish and compete for loyalty to the local New Testament church. And yet, the Word of God is clear. We are instructed to assemble with the church, and to be diligent in "exhorting one another." To exhort one another requires closeness of fellowship and involvement in the lives of fellow church members.

The previous verse says, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24). Casual or negligent attendance will not permit the personal interaction and the fulfillment of these commands that the Bible expects. Simple attendance with the church body, and the failure to become closely associated with the church family, does not provide the relationship that God designed for His church. We are to relate to one another as members of the same body.

In giving us this very helpful and practical instruction, the Scripture commands us to observe these responsibilities, "so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Interestingly enough, the Lord tells us that we will not need less assembling and fellowship, but we will need more. The closer we come to the return of the Lord, the more we need the church and all that is involved in belonging and serving. The closer we come to the return of Christ, the more evident the growing apostasy will become. Jesus told us the love of many will wax cold. False prophets and deceivers will flourish. It is no wonder that we are admonished to be faithful in church attendance and to encourage one another, "so much the more."

The exact opposite is occurring in many congregations. They are meeting less often and are having less involvement in one another's lives. Believing that the end is near, we should be more faithful to the church where the Lord has added us.


Taken from http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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JEHOSHAPHAT'S STRONG DEFENSE
Devotion for November 04, 2009


"And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken."
II Chronicles 17:1, 2.

Jehoshaphat was one of the outstanding kings to lead the nation of Judah. His father, Asa, was also a king of Judah that "did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (II Chronicles 14:2). Jehoshaphat's priorities and leadership continue to serve as good examples for each of us. Our text reveals that Jehoshaphat, after assuming the leadership of the kingdom, sought to strengthen his defenses against the enemy and possible attacks.

This is a good lesson for any country as far as their national security is concerned. There are those in political office who consistently downplay the importance of a strong national defense. They seem to be so naive that they think all our enemies are friendly, and there is really no need to concern ourselves with the possibility of future attacks. Those same people want us to believe that if all the private citizens would surrender their personal weapons, it would help solve the crime problem. This logic is foolish and dangerous. A strong defense was Jehoshaphat's first order of business. There are many groups that would seize the opportunity to attack our nation at the slightest sign of military vulnerability. Of course, our greatest national defense is the hope that God would defend us. He has promised to defend and bless nations who honor Him and seek to obey His Word.

This action on the part of Jehoshaphat illustrates something in our spiritual lives as well. All of us are subject to spiritual attack--individually, in our homes, or in our church family. Because we know that attacks will come, we should make certain that we are prepared. The Bible encourages us to put on God's armor and prepare for the enemy's assault. We are to walk in the Word of God, live by faith, arm ourselves with truth, keep our sins confessed, and stay in a prayerful attitude at all times. We are to be careful that we do not give a foothold to the enemy. Our spiritual adversaries are always trying to capitalize on any opportunities to hurt us spiritually, to attack our families, etc. We must be vigilant and realize the value of a strong spiritual defense.

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WHO ARE THE TROUBLEMAKERS?
Devotion for November 29, 2009

"And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim."
I Kings 18:17, 18.

We can certainly relate to this understanding gap, or the difference in opinion in Elijah's day. Elijah had announced to King Ahab that due to the sin of the king and the disobedience of the people, God would be sending a drought upon the land. More than three years later, Elijah went to meet Ahab. At this meeting, Ahab suggested that Elijah was the source of Israel's trouble, questioning, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" Elijah saw it in a completely different way. He said that Israel's trouble was not caused by himself, but was due to the disobedience of Ahab and those like him.

This is very typical of what we see and hear in our world every day. To the unsaved, one of the greatest problems in society is the presence of conservative Bible believers. You can honestly hear more criticism from many liberal politicians against the conservative Christians than you will hear against the terrorists, abortionists, or those who produce and peddle pornography.

We would have to respectfully disagree. We do not think that calling for an end to abortion on demand is troubling America. Nor, do we see that clarifying our position on marriage, as being legal only between a man and a woman, is causing trouble for our country. We do not believe the posting of the Ten Commandments in public places will have a destructive effect on the United States. We do not believe that we are the troublemakers. We believe that the troublemakers are those who deny the moral absolutes and traditional family values that have been a part of the fabric of this nation. Those who are troubling our society are those who reject the absolute standard of truth in the Word of God. Our country has been troubled by those who have removed the Bible and prayer from the public schools.

This cultural war and moral disconnect have been growing in our beloved country for many years. None of us want to be troublemakers, and no one should be deliberately antagonistic. However, it is vitally important that we stand for truth, let our voices be heard, and not be intimidated by those who call us troublemakers.

From:    http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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TRUSTING OR TRYING

Devotion for December 18, 2009


"And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering."
Genesis 4:3, 4.

We can learn so many valuable lessons from the world's first family. One important example is the first record of the worship of Adam and Eve's sons, Cain and Abel. When it came time for the two sons to bring an offering to the Lord, they brought different offerings which resulted in very different responses from God. Abel was a shepherd, and he brought a sacrifice of one of the flock. Cain was a farmer, and he brought some of the produce from the field. God received Abel's offering and rejected Cain's. Their actions and God's reaction help us understand important spiritual principles.

The most important application of this Scripture has to do with the means of personal salvation. Cain's offering, from the fruit of his garden, was an attempt to be accepted before God based on his personal works. This will never suffice because all that human effort can produce is still the result and product of sinful flesh. Abel's offering from his flock represented an understanding that his personal works were unacceptable, thus he offered (by faith) the blood of a sacrificial substitution.

There are really only two belief systems when it comes to salvation and forgiveness of sins. Most religions are trusting - either entirely or in part - in some form of human effort or good works. This may take the form of good deeds, church membership, baptism, etc. God does not accept such as a means of atonement. The alternative, which is Bible-based Christianity, trusts completely in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God's Lamb. God accepts and forgives those who come to Him, putting their faith in the death of His sinless Son. Cain was trying to please God on his own merit, while Abel was trusting in the sacrifice of another.

This matter of trying or trusting continues to be a relevant concern after salvation. Just as many attempt to find acceptance before God based on human effort, rather than by faith trusting another, the same can be true in our daily Christian lives. Many are trying to please God in the power of their flesh, rather than trusting the Lord to live His life through them. It is always the life of faith in God that is most pleasing to Him.


From:    http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS
Devotion for December 30, 2009


"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
Jeremiah 6:16.

Jeremiah had been faithfully warning his people about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, but they demonstrated no interest in hearing the Word of the Lord. The Lord instructed them to stand in the ways and see. It was a very practical and understandable command. There were numerous paths or roads to observe, and they represented different directions and destinations. They were to ask for "the good way." The people needed to choose the way they would follow.

There are many paths available for people to select today. People need to take a serious look at the varied roads and where they will lead. Jeremiah charged them to "ask for the old paths." God urged His people to ask for the proven paths of righteousness, holiness, and obedience. What a needed message in our day also. Multitudes of professing Christians have no interest in the old paths of godliness. They are choosing newer paths of compromise and spiritual complacency.

The old paths of separation from sin and old-fashioned values are ridiculed, even by those who claim to know the Lord. The old paths are not welcomed because they are not deemed to be as enjoyable or pleasurable. The old paths are not as popular and socially acceptable. But, we are not to choose a path of life because it is fun or crowded, but because it is right.

God tells us to seek the old paths, and walk in them. If indeed the people would walk in the old paths they would "find rest for your souls." Spiritual rest would be found on the old paths. This is why God commands us to desire and follow the old paths: because it is for our benefit. It is best for us to follow the old and proven paths of holiness and obedience. Those who are determined to trod the modern paths of compromise do so in hopes of securing a more peaceful and prosperous path, but the true way to rest is the old paths. However, knowing that God ordered them to seek out and follow the old paths, the people said, "We will not walk therein." They refused to obey the Lord and rebelled against His counsel. The sound advice to walk in the old paths is still being ignored by many, but it is the wisest journey to travel.


From:    http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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BELIEVE IN THE LORD, AND HIS PROPHETS
Devotion for January 02, 2010


"And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."
II Chronicles 20:20.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, received word that a great multitude from several nations was coming against him to battle. With wisdom, he assembled the people to seek the Lord for His help. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, one of the prophets, who declared this promise, "the battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chronicles 20:15).

Our text records the words of Jehoshaphat, encouraging Judah to "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." What great advice this is for each of us. We are to trust in the Lord and believe His Word, and trust those who faithfully proclaim His Word to us. Trusting in the Lord is something that we all know we should do, but sometimes we forget and rely on our own inventions or ourselves.

Like Jehoshaphat and his people, we have found ourselves in situations that are stressful and fearful. We do not know what to do or how we can manage. Rather than immediately looking to the Lord as our sufficiency, we resort to worrying and fretting. Discouragement and distress can break in upon our soul. Peace gives way to turmoil and confusion. Then we realize that we have failed to remember this simple, yet profound bit of counsel. We are supposed to be trusting in the Lord. It is no wonder that our spiritual lives are prone to such changes and our confidence and victory come and go. We are not "established" because we do not believe God as we should.

Jehoshaphat also guided his people to believe God's prophets that they might "prosper." Thankfully, there was a man of God available to proclaim God's revealed truth to Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah. Having heard the message of the prophet, the king charged the people to "believe his prophets." We all realize there are false teachers and preachers in our generation, as has always been the case. Nevertheless, there are true servants of God who proclaim His Word to us. As God's people, we will prosper spiritually as we believe His preachers and His Word.


From:    http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/

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GOD IS ABLE
Devotion for January 11, 2010


"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
II Corinthians 9:8.

This popular and powerful verse is located in an exhaustive teaching on the subject of grace giving. God used Paul to expound upon these great truths to the Corinthian church. They were being challenged to give by faith, trusting God to guide and provide as they obeyed His leadership in their lives. The churches of Macedonia were mentioned by Paul as an example of sacrificial giving to the Lord's work. Our text is a resounding response to those who might question their ability to participate in this joyful experience of generosity.

It is natural for people to ask questions when it comes to the subject of generous giving, such as "What if I give, who then will meet my needs?" The inspired answer is found in this Scripture: "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." There are three very encouraging parts to this glorious promise.

First, we are told, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you." God is our Source. His ability is not limited. When we think of our giving, God would have us to think in terms of His ability to provide. We are only vessels or channels of His resources. He is able to supply for us if we are willing to share with others.

Another aspect of this promise is that He is able to assure us of our "having all sufficiency in all things." God can make certain that our every need is met. He does not want us to do without, that others might abound. When it comes to the matter of our giving to God's work, He promises that our needs will be met.

Finally, we see that He can enable us to "abound to every good work." God wants to meet our needs and provide for us to give, or "abound to every good work." What a difference this is from the way many people look at giving. Some Christians can think only in terms of their limited supply, their own needs that must be met, and their inability to contribute to worthy causes. God answers every one of these concerns in this verse. His supply is limitless. He is able to meet our needs. He wants to enable us to give generously to His work. The appropriate response to this truth is that we would begin to trust the Lord to accomplish His will.

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BE NOT TROUBLED
Devotion for January 24, 2010


"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."
Matthew 24:6.

The disciples asked Jesus, "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world" (3). In Matthew 24, He gave them many indications of the kinds of activities one will encounter in the end times. These signs include such things as: an abundance of false teachers, great deception, wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecutions, and great tribulation, such as has never occurred.

The world is headed for great catastrophe. It will not happen all at once. Much of this will take place after Christians are taken to Heaven, in the rapture that will precede the time of great tribulation. Most people would agree that many of these things have already begun. There are others, though, that have quite a different view about the time that we live in. And, there are even preachers that paint a much different picture about the future from the one described in our text. To hear them, you might think that great revival will accompany the last days. Some even proclaim what could be considered virtual world dominance by Christians.

The Bible does teach that Jesus will one day reign on this earth for a period of one thousand years and that His faithful followers will reign with Him in His kingdom. However, that reign will be preceded by a period of apostasy and great tribulation. When we read of and hear about the great proliferation of error, the natural disasters that seem to escalate both in number and magnitude, the serious famines and pestilences and such things, it should tell us that we are nearing the end.

What, then, should be our mindset as we ponder world conditions? Jesus said, "see that ye be not troubled." We are not to be alarmed or frightened. For one thing, we have been warned. Jesus tells us in His Word what to expect. It should come as no surprise that there is a great falling away from the true faith, or that false gospels flourish in our day. We can trust in the Lord and know that He is in control and that He does all things well. While His return is imminent, we understand that we live in a day of tremendous opportunity to preach the Gospel and win others to Christ. We are to occupy until He comes. One day soon, our days of evangelism and discipleship will be over. We must work while it is day.


From:    http://www.mzbc.com/devotions/