Good morning -
Global Positioning System units are pretty amazing. In non-technical terms, they are those little electronic boxes with display and voice capability that tell you how to get somewhere when driving ("turn left at the next intersection ... exit at next ramp right" ... etc.). You enter the address of your destination, the unit calculates where you are via a satellite signal, and provides directions for driving.
Whether you are using a GPS unit, a map service on the Internet, or an old-fashioned map, destination information is vitally important. You just can't get from point A to point B if you don't know what point B is.
It's very important in our spiritual lives that a course be plotted to the correct destination. God reminds us through Jeremiah the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)
The ancient paths aren't very popular these days; just like the 2-lane highways that used to be the main travel routes in years past. The paths of discipline, sacrifice, service, and holiness aren't well-traveled in this age of quick-fix and self-centered focus. The ancient paths are nearly as forgotten as the famous Route 66 highway.
I used to live near an Amish community, and it was interesting to notice their lifestyle. They have deliberately chosen to live a simple lifestyle that necessitates cooperation and community. Those ancient values dictate the lifestyle that is characteristic of these people. Now, I'm not advocating that we adopt their practices and lifestyle (although perhaps it might be wise), but I'm suggesting that we heed God's words in deliberately choosing the paths that the great people of faith in the past chose. In particular, the paths that enhance community with God's people need to be a priority. There is a great emphasis in the New Testament on "one anothering", and it seems to be a much-neglected path today. The first church in Acts was largely characterized by their commitment to one another, and that seems to have been a path to the great blessings of the Lord. I'm confident that the same holds true for today.
Let me challenge you to pause long enough on the path you travel to be sure it heads toward the ancient paths. As God said through Jeremiah, this is the good way where we will truly find rest for our souls.
Enjoying the trip down the ancient ways today,
Pastor Steve
Global Positioning System units are pretty amazing. In non-technical terms, they are those little electronic boxes with display and voice capability that tell you how to get somewhere when driving ("turn left at the next intersection ... exit at next ramp right" ... etc.). You enter the address of your destination, the unit calculates where you are via a satellite signal, and provides directions for driving.
Whether you are using a GPS unit, a map service on the Internet, or an old-fashioned map, destination information is vitally important. You just can't get from point A to point B if you don't know what point B is.
It's very important in our spiritual lives that a course be plotted to the correct destination. God reminds us through Jeremiah the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)
The ancient paths aren't very popular these days; just like the 2-lane highways that used to be the main travel routes in years past. The paths of discipline, sacrifice, service, and holiness aren't well-traveled in this age of quick-fix and self-centered focus. The ancient paths are nearly as forgotten as the famous Route 66 highway.
I used to live near an Amish community, and it was interesting to notice their lifestyle. They have deliberately chosen to live a simple lifestyle that necessitates cooperation and community. Those ancient values dictate the lifestyle that is characteristic of these people. Now, I'm not advocating that we adopt their practices and lifestyle (although perhaps it might be wise), but I'm suggesting that we heed God's words in deliberately choosing the paths that the great people of faith in the past chose. In particular, the paths that enhance community with God's people need to be a priority. There is a great emphasis in the New Testament on "one anothering", and it seems to be a much-neglected path today. The first church in Acts was largely characterized by their commitment to one another, and that seems to have been a path to the great blessings of the Lord. I'm confident that the same holds true for today.
Let me challenge you to pause long enough on the path you travel to be sure it heads toward the ancient paths. As God said through Jeremiah, this is the good way where we will truly find rest for our souls.
Enjoying the trip down the ancient ways today,
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 10:48 AM
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