“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 6 Number 36
#280 The Word of the Day: “STRAIGHTWAY”
It may be an old-fashioned word.
It is still good for us today!

September 6th, 2023
Karen’s Notes launches into September on an old-fashioned word!

Does anyone have a clue as to where August vanished? It just seems like it can’t possibly be September; but here we are!

We begin another month of sharing little bits and pieces from Karen’s Bible study journals and ladies’ conference and retreats notebooks. I am starting September with a very old-fashioned word. It is the word “straightway”!

Let me share the Bible verses where it is found.

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him” (Matthew 4:18-20).

When was the last time you used the word “straightway”?

Interestingly, in the text the word translated “straightway” is the Greek word eutheos which according to Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament words means “forthwith, at once.” We would use the word immediately to describe it.

This really struck Karen.

We spoke of the calling of Peter and Andrew, along with James and John. Karen was practical and logical in her thinking. It struck such a note in her heart that these men not only left their family business, they left it immediately at the call and command of the Lord Jesus.

Karen would speak of this in several of her ladies’ conferences.

In one of her conference worksheets, here’s a tiny portion of what she wrote and shared. “We find joy in serving Jesus as we surrender to Him. Sometimes surrender comes after quite a struggle. Other times we may see immediate compliance depending on that person’s walk with the Lord.
Moses thought he was completely inadequate (Exodus 4:10-11).
Jeremiah was sure he was too young (Jeremiah 1:6-7).
Peter and Andrew complied immediately. The Bible uses the word “straightway” when describing how they left their nets (Matthew 1:18).”

Please don’t misunderstand.

Whenever we are in the midst of making a significant decision, I think it is great to take our time, commit it to prayer, think it through, and even perhaps talk to others about it. That is the typical counsel I seek in my own life and have shared this with others.
The exception to all this comes when clearly the Word of God has spoken on a particular situation. There are times that we do NOT have to ask God’s will in a matter because He has already spoken of it to us in the Scriptures. At that point, the old-fashioned sounding word STRAIGHTWAY is most appropriate in our response. In fact, it is not only the most appropriate, it is the only right way of responding!
Let me close with an encouragement.

I’m so challenged and encouraged by these dear fishermen. No, they weren’t perfect. However! Think of it! Their boats, their nets, their fish, and for John and James, their father, would have been of utmost importance. But straightway, or immediately, they responded and followed. I need this reminder today. As He speaks to me from His Word, I need to comply, respond, and lovingly obey right away!

Now friends, let me send you on your way with a smile. Years ago, Karen had two little dogs. Each weighed about 10 to 12 pounds. Whenever she baked cookies, she’d set the timer on the stove so as not to forget what time to pull them out. Wherever those two little dogs were in our home, as soon as the timer sounded, they ran as fast as they could to the kitchen because they knew a little nibble awaited them. I mean, instantly or straightway they responded to the timer.
There’s a good lesson for me in all of this. Straightway, Michael, straightway must my friends and I respond to the Lord and His Word. Blessings on you, dear friends.