Good Morning “Those Who’s Hope Is Properly Directed.” Today we are in Isaiah 31.
When you face a trial, a time of struggle or hard times - where do you turn? What’s your first response? Lack of hope breeds anxiousness, fear, and poor rash decisions. Who has the power to make things better? Some look to the government. Others to doctors, institutions or individuals. Still others to their own abilities - all the while ignoring The One who is Sovereignly in control of all things (Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 4:6, Colossians 1:16-17).
It is The Lord who institutes every authority (Romans 13:1). But it doesn’t end there, He then moves in and through them to accomplish His work, to bring about His plan. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” Proverbs 21:1 NIV
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
I guess the real question is… do you love Him? Before you rush to answer, consider Jesus’ qualifier…
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” John 14:21a NIV
Israel had a problem… they didn’t obey His commands. They had forsaken Him. Furthermore in that, they looked to their own strength and that of even their enemies - believing they would help and protect them. They ignored The One who empowers the powerful, strengthens the strong, heals through the healer, and controls the controllers.
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” Isaiah 31:1 NIV
Paul reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Consider the implications of that verse. When we’re anxious and are falling on our face in prayer, with thanksgiving… Realize THAT demonstrates we BELIEVE in Him, that He has the power to help and to give us peace. It demonstrates faith, that even if we don’t like it, we believe His plan is best! We demonstrate faith through thanksgiving even in the midst of anxiousness.
Love you all! Dig in!
When you face a trial, a time of struggle or hard times - where do you turn? What’s your first response? Lack of hope breeds anxiousness, fear, and poor rash decisions. Who has the power to make things better? Some look to the government. Others to doctors, institutions or individuals. Still others to their own abilities - all the while ignoring The One who is Sovereignly in control of all things (Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 4:6, Colossians 1:16-17).
It is The Lord who institutes every authority (Romans 13:1). But it doesn’t end there, He then moves in and through them to accomplish His work, to bring about His plan. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” Proverbs 21:1 NIV
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
I guess the real question is… do you love Him? Before you rush to answer, consider Jesus’ qualifier…
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” John 14:21a NIV
Israel had a problem… they didn’t obey His commands. They had forsaken Him. Furthermore in that, they looked to their own strength and that of even their enemies - believing they would help and protect them. They ignored The One who empowers the powerful, strengthens the strong, heals through the healer, and controls the controllers.
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” Isaiah 31:1 NIV
Paul reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Consider the implications of that verse. When we’re anxious and are falling on our face in prayer, with thanksgiving… Realize THAT demonstrates we BELIEVE in Him, that He has the power to help and to give us peace. It demonstrates faith, that even if we don’t like it, we believe His plan is best! We demonstrate faith through thanksgiving even in the midst of anxiousness.
Love you all! Dig in!
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