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"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Peter 2:15).
I have an aunt and uncle, along with some cousins, who live in Lincoln, Nebraska. When we last visited with them my uncle told me that one of the main streets through the city is "O" Street and that it goes for 70 miles absolutely straight.
Having lived nearly 30 years in the Northeast I find that very interesting. In these parts of the country I can hardly imagine a road for more than a couple of miles without some bend or turn in the road! I do recall a long stretch along both the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts turnpikes that are straight (probably for four or five miles) but that's due to a massive amount of cut and fill.
Throughout the Bible following the straight way or path is emphasized. David prayed in Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path." Proverbs 11:5 states, "The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."
John the Baptist came to "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him." And we often paraphrase the words of our Lord Jesus in regard to living by "the straight and narrow way" (This is taken from a phrase in Matthew 7:14). Just this morning, prior to Brooksyne's knowing what I was writing about, she prayed with Ester quoting this very phrase.
But in the daily text the Apostle Peter speaks of those who "have left the straight way." What a sad condition. Today we will all make decisions and be confronted with temptations of various sorts. Our enemy wants us off the straight way. But let us make a renewed resolve in our hearts to stay on the straight way today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You've given us the roadmap to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You've established and proven through the saints who've gone before us that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Just as John the Baptist went before You preparing the way, I thank You for going before me preparing the way for my journey. Though Scripture describes the Christian's walk as being on a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will take me through deep valleys. If I wander off-course I'm grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. I thank You, Jesus, in Your name. Amen.
Update on Mom's condition – My Mom continues to suffer with a condition known as shingles. She is very, very weak and now requires our care for practically everything. I especially bless my wife who bears the brunt of this burden. We want to keep her in our home as long as we are able. We have appreciated those of you that have written with words of encouragement and prayer.
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Wednesday, November 2, 2005
"The Straight Way"
"The Straight Way"
"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Peter 2:15).
I have an aunt and uncle, along with some cousins, who live in Lincoln, Nebraska. When we last visited with them my uncle told me that one of the main streets through the city is "O" Street and that it goes for 70 miles absolutely straight.
Having lived nearly 30 years in the Northeast I find that very interesting. In these parts of the country I can hardly imagine a road for more than a couple of miles without some bend or turn in the road! I do recall a long stretch along both the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts turnpikes that are straight (probably for four or five miles) but that's due to a massive amount of cut and fill.
Throughout the Bible following the straight way or path is emphasized. David prayed in Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path." Proverbs 11:5 states, "The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."
John the Baptist came to "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him." And we often paraphrase the words of our Lord Jesus in regard to living by "the straight and narrow way" (This is taken from a phrase in Matthew 7:14). Just this morning, prior to Brooksyne's knowing what I was writing about, she prayed with Ester quoting this very phrase.
But in the daily text the Apostle Peter speaks of those who "have left the straight way." What a sad condition. Today we will all make decisions and be confronted with temptations of various sorts. Our enemy wants us off the straight way. But let us make a renewed resolve in our hearts to stay on the straight way today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You've given us the roadmap to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You've established and proven through the saints who've gone before us that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Just as John the Baptist went before You preparing the way, I thank You for going before me preparing the way for my journey. Though Scripture describes the Christian's walk as being on a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will take me through deep valleys. If I wander off-course I'm grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. I thank You, Jesus, in Your name. Amen.
Update on Mom's condition – My Mom continues to suffer with a condition known as shingles. She is very, very weak and now requires our care for practically everything. I especially bless my wife who bears the brunt of this burden. We want to keep her in our home as long as we are able. We have appreciated those of you that have written with words of encouragement and prayer.
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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