March 13, 2020

The Old Paths by Gary Rose



In the U.S.A., money, possessions and power are everything. While there is nothing wrong with having these things, making them your “everything” is very dangerous. Just because something seems to be new, improved or good doesn’t mean it is; older may be better. Consider the picture above; how many of these old TV shows can you name. I tried, and here are my answers (left to right, top to bottom)…

Bewitched, My three sons, That girl, McCales Navy,
Petticoat Junction, The Munsters, F-Troop, The Mod squad,
Buffy and Jody, Hazel, Get smart, Lost in space,
The Andy Griffith show, Batman, The flying nun, I spy
Hogan’s heroes, Gunsmoke, Lassie, Bonaza,
Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., I dream of Genie, Laugh-in, The Monkees,
Mr. Ed, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Adams family, Gilligan’s Island

I think I got them all correct, but if I didn’t – let me know. Well, anyway, I am of the opinion that every one of them were better than what is on the tube today. Why? Because of their higher moral content. Society has changed- and not for the better. Sex, violence and sin of every kind is being emphasized on the television (and in my mind, approved of) every single day. And people imitate what they see on TV. It is no wonder that our society has become a more dangerous, unfriendly place to be in. Why? Because along with all this, people have decided to go their own way, to do exactly as they please – and forget God or outright reject The Almighty. This has happened in times past, as noted by what God said through Jeremiah. He says…

Jeremiah 6 ( World English Bible )
 [16]  Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’  [17] I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen!’  [18] Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them.  [19] Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.

Israel of old did not listen and punishment came; death, destruction and deportation; all because they rejected God and his message. Today, Americans are leaving churches in droves. I recently read that in the year 2000 only half of the people said that they attended church on a regular basis. I can only imagine how low that number is in this current year of 2020.

Seek, the old paths and God before it is too late. People today are afraid of the recent Corona-virus and our country is shutting down, with the stock market plummeting, and people hunkering down until the danger is over. But, being afraid can be a good thing, because it just may save your life. Consider what Jesus said about fear:

Matthew 10 ( WEB )
  [24]  A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.   [25]  It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!   [26]  Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.   [27]  What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.   [28]  Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

Listen to Jesus, fear God for HE has power beyond any thing a man can do to you. Seek his will (the old paths) and live. Do not ignore HIM and suffer the eternal consequences of indifference or disobedience like Israel of old did!

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