The Straight Up Word: Even The Best Families

Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel... But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.

1 Samuel 8:1,3 (NKJV)

To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And Nadab and Abihu died when they offered profane fire before the Lord.

Numbers 26:60-61 (NKJV)

Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

2 Samuel 14:25 (NKJV)

How you are fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

Isaiah 14:12 (NKJV)

  • Even in good families, children fall.

  • Even when they’re raised with love, children fall.

  • Even in Heaven itself, angels fell.

If falling away from the Word happened… to the sons of Samuel the prophet, Aaron the priest, David, God’s chosen king– and ⅓ of God’s angels in Heaven, it can happen to Christians. AND IT HAS.

The U.S. founding fathers were Christians, as was its most respected president, Abraham Lincoln. When he made Thanksgiving a holiday in 1863, here’s what he said:

“I... fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.' *

Did we continue in peace, harmony, tranquility, and union… then or now? TRAGICALLY NOT!

  • Systemic racism still hurts, maims, and kills.

  • The rich get richer. The poor get poorer.

  • Congressmen claim Christ, but don’t act like Him.

The Bible shows how believers can fall. 'Hardened by the deceitfulness of sin' (Hebrews 3:13)… starts with the smallest of compromises: a small lie here and a little greed there; a quick indulgence every now and then... fuel the momentum to step off God’s path.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: As a unique and new generation, you were born to shine amidst corruption. You hate hype, pretense, and hypocrisy.

Your Father raised you up for a purpose: to know, show, glow, and represent the Truth. Don't get confused, BECAUSE JUST ONE CHANNEL is completely clear. So tune in often. Don't rely on any interpreter.

Get your Word straight up.

The Straight Up Word: Even The Best Families (Part 4)

* President Abraham Lincoln's commemoration address of Thanksgiving as a national holiday on October 3, 1863: http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban