He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. “So, we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6
A main thought from “Way of Holiness” is that you may be filled at times with hopelessness, but you can be encouraged because with God, there is certain victory.
Take inspiration from the song Just A Closer Walk With Thee by Randy Travis. You can boldly step ahead to get through anything. Death has no sting because eternal life is what the Lord does bring. You can take on challenges, step out of the comfort zone, and give God the glory.
We sometimes face situations of weakness, feebleness, and fearfulness. Fortunately, we know about Jesus who gives hope and joy. He’s given believers a way to holiness. God’s plan for us was set in motion and the powers of darkness were defeated. Believers can take on challenges, step out of the comfort zone, and give God the glory.
As we continue the journey through the book of Isaiah today, remember that up until now, the message has been on judgment for rejection of God. The message of Isaiah 35 is the last one before Jerusalem is surrounded by the Assyrian armies. The people of Jerusalem seem to be in a position beyond recovery.
I remember seeing a movie called “The End Times”. [1] At the final confrontation between Satan and God. The movie explains that Jesus will simply speak a few words. No one knows what the words will be but maybe something like “Peace Be Still” and it will be over. Jesus will defeat the army of the Anti-Christ.
In today’s passage, there is encouragement given to the people. At some point, all things will be completely transformed. The planet will be renewed, there will be peace, and things of beauty will cover the earth. The new earth will be formed with the Light of perfect truth, the Light of life, and the joy of everlasting life.
This day with God, we know the way and we can take courage as we step ahead. We may feel hopeless at times, but we are encouraged because with God there is certain victory. We can boldly step ahead following Jesus step by step and one day at a time. Amen.
[1] Amazon Prime Video Directed by Discovery Media Productions. 2006. The End Times
We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.
Isaiah 35 – However much beyond recovery it appears, how does the wasteland respond? To what event? What encouragement is given to the people? What hope and joy do you have in the midst of your society? Why?
Isaiah 36 – What last hope has just given out (see 2 Kings 18:13-20 through 20:11)? What kinds of tactics are most devastating in undermining your faith in God? How can you prepare for these attacks?
Isaiah 37 – In what ways are your days a time of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace? In what ways do you see manifestations of the sovereignty of God in these times? What happened to Assyria? Why?
Isaiah 38 – What happens to Hezekiah now? What does Hezekiah want to live to see? Why is life important to him? Why is life important to you?
Isaiah 39 – What is different about Hezekiah’s response to the king’s son with his earlier concerns (Read Isaiah 37:20 & 38:19-20)? To what extent do you notice a fluctuation in your spiritual interests parallel to the ebb and flow of adversity? To what extent does the future influence your daily actions? Why?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.
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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word of God found in Isaiah 29-34 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit us now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.
A thought from reading Isaiah 29 and shared in the post Acquire Faith is that we are not born with faith, but it is something we can acquire by trusting, taking action, and continuing to work towards. Step by step, we gain confidence that the results will come.
A lesson from reading Isaiah 30:1-17 and shared in the post In Awe of the One Who Has Given All is to turn to God for protection and refuge during difficulty or fear. When afraid, trust in God. Only God can give true confidence so be in awe of the One who has given all. Be committed to Him, plan with Him, and focus on how to act those plans.
From Pearls of Wisdom about thoughts from Isaiah 30:18-33, Isaiah prophesizes that God would manifest himself to bring a glorious transformation in beleaguered Jerusalem. There can be a glorious transformation in each of our lives too! Let us be patient for God will provide what we need. We will find more abundance, comfort, and joy as the past fades and a brighter future is set in motion.
Some run from the past, from fears, difficulties, and failures by turning to alcohol or drugs to escape reality. As explained in The Right Way, there may be a need to turn around. To run towards God where there is true wisdom and a brighter future. He provides long-term relief with far greater resources. He’s everywhere, He’s limitless, and not restricted by time or space. He knows about the future and can put us in a position to have lasting success.
As pointed out in Integrity Leads to Blessings, you can influence or change society. The blueprint to building a better you, community, or nation; getting hearts in the right place for ultimate achievement of peace, quiet, and productivity is found in the Words of the Lord.
Mentioned in Setting Sail on a New Day is the importance of beginning each day by opening God’s word. Like a ship’s sails catching the power of wind, the Word in our heart will catch the energy of the Holy Spirit to push us forward.
The takeaway from Give Him the Honor is that Jesus is the key. Let us put our attention on Jesus so we are sparred “hell on earth”. Let us be inspired by the passion of Jesus, follow His Way, and not let Him down. Let us dedicate each day to Him, be a blessing, and give Him honor.
The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined.
A thought from John 13:21-35 is that like Jesus loves us, we are to love one another. To deeply care for each other by praying for each other, encouraging, and hoping the best for each other. When a brother or sister accomplishes something to glorify the Lord, point out this ray of sunshine to the whole world because everyone benefits and there are smiles from heaven for a job well done.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 