The picture of a blank journal and a hot cup of coffee seemed appropriate to prepare for a journey…a different kind of journey. Sometimes we have to “go back” to “go forward”. God exhorts us  through the prophet, Jeremiah, to “stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.” This blog is an invitation to (dare I use the word) repent and return to the ancient paths, the good way. If you are weary of high tech shows and entertainment in what is called “church” on Sunday mornings, please join me as I share “old truths” that need to be reclaimed AND proclaimed in our day.

There is a generation starving for Biblical teaching and a call to holy living. Our sanctuaries have been replaced by auditoriums and our altars by stages. The pulpit, once referred to as the sacred desk, has become comedy central with feel good messages that leave a hunger in the souls of those who hear them. Those who lead these weekly gatherings have achieved celebrity status. Fans gather at stages. Penitents kneel at altars. No altar…no problem. There are no penitents in these settings. Why? Because there is no convicting sermon to awaken them to their sin.

As in Nehemiah’s day when he was grieved over the broken down walls of Jerusalem, we need to grieve over the broken down walls in our lives and our land. It’s time  to return to God’s path and rebuild the walls brick by brick with the eternal truths of God’s word. I’m “going back”.  Join me.

Returning to the Ancient Paths

I saw a bluebird first thing this morning as I sat down in my quiet spot. We’ve had two weeks of rain and my bird feeders have been empty as a result…empty of seed and of my daily visitors. Yesterday I refilled them with the anticipation of my feathered friends returning. Well, obviously, I was not disappointed. They began gathering early and before half an hour had passed, along with the bluebird,  I had visits from a red headed woodpecker, a tufted titmouse, some mourning doves, and, of course, those cute little nuthatches. I expected the cardinals would be coming soon. They mate for life and come as a couple everyday. While enjoying them I was reminded that Jesus said “consider the birds of the air”…so I decided to do just that!

There was a first couple who were mates for life, and they walked the most ancient of paths. Paths that led through the most beautiful of gardens, Eden. God had made everything, including the birds of the air, for Adam and Eve to enjoy. He came daily to walk with them among the beauty that He had created. I believe the first path we need to “go back” to is the path of fellowship with God. We are introduced to Him as the Creator and Giver of life Who desires to spend time with us. If this path is neglected it’s inevitable that we will lose our way.

Daily fellowship with God will keep us on the next ancient path to which we need to return, the path of obedience. Adam and Eve were given one simple command and their disobedience led to the fall of mankind and the loss of uninterrupted communion with their Creator.  Listening to the voice of the serpent rather than the voice of God got this first couple off the path of life and onto the path of sin and death.

This was no surprise to God Who had made a provision for restoring relationship and fellowship through the offering of a sacrifice. In the garden an animal was killed so that clothing could be made to cover the nakedness (exposure) of their sin. Sin brought on by disobedience. Eve was deceived by the serpent’s subtlety. He is crafty in his allurement. This is why the need to know God’s word is so crucial. The siren song to leave the path of obedience is always, “Did God really say?” His word provides the boundaries needed to stay on the ancient path of obedience.

Two ancient paths  that can be followed with assurance are daily fellowship with God and obedience to His word.    Join me in “going back” and walking them.