We are born virtually fearless. Soon we face the pain of both real and unfounded phobias. If we submit, we become wounded; if we overcome, we are wise.
However, there is one fear you should hang on to -- fear of God. It is the beginning of wisdom. If you never submit to God, fear of Him will still keep you out of a lot of trouble.
Ah! But going beyond fear is the subject of this message. When fear leads to trust and ultimately to love, we become empowered to "walk this way."
Most Americans are emotionally fatigued, physically drained, and spiritually defeated. The reason? Stress. We can't focus, we can't sleep, and we feel like the slowest rat in the rat race.
Isaiah, the prince of the prophets, dipped his pen in heaven's timeless truth and wrote: "Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary?"
And then he gives us the secret to strength. This is our subject today.
As we continue walking through Isaiah's messages, we come to Chapter 38 where he says to King Hezekiah, "Set thine house in order."
The admonition came because Hezekiah was going to die. He was able to bargain for 15 more years, but the fact remained--he would eventually leave everything he had to his children.
Men, what will we leave behind for the next generation to build upon? Let's live in the moment, but for the future of our homes and nation.
Our theme verse for 2021 is in the middle of our passage today. Interestingly, it is surrounded by warnings about how NOT to walk.
The majority in Isaiah's day was walking away from God and His ways. There was "a way" that seemed right, but it ended in destruction and death.
How can we know if we are on the RIGHT way? It starts with humbling yourself as a child and allowing God's Word to correct your steps.
This world is greedy for the influence a mother has. It constantly tries to downplay your role. Don't believe the lie for a moment. You are one of the most influential people in the world. Lean into your role and let God change the world through you.
There is much talk about "the end times" these days--and for good reason. I believe we are living in them and the return of our Lord Jesus is very near.
Isaiah saw the end, specifically, the Tribulation also called the "time of Jacob's trouble." He gives a terrifying. description of our world under the wrath of God.
Keep in mind, Isaiah did not see the Church Age. Paul and John give us more insight into where the Church will be during the Tribulation. Needless to say, there's no time to waste--today is the day of salvation!
