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.