Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
The message of Israel’s false prophets was crafted to satisfy people rather than God. In response to Israel’s sin, they offered an unfounded peace. False teachers from every generation bring messages their hearers desire to take in. To every deceitful teacher and prophet God says, in essence, “You’ve got to be kidding!”
Isaiah 46:9-11
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it.
God invites you to fearlessness. He invites you to walk away from your anxiousness. Yes, I know it sounds a little crazy right now with all you are going through, but the One who makes the offer knows your situation inside and out. There is good reason to check, “Accept.”
I am sitting here thinking of how totally dependent I am. If a coffee grower somewhere in Guatemala hadn’t done their job, I would have a serious headache right now. If some sardine fisherman slept in, I would have missed lunch. If a certain employee had stayed home, I would not be enjoying a diet vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic, and that’s just for starters. From my clothes to my computer to the light in my office . . . I depend on others for my existence.
Someone has well said that we need to be reminded more than we need to be taught. I think there is a lot of truth to that. It is seldom a new nugget of truth that comforts me. More often it is the reminder of something I have forgotten or had pushed to a far corner of my heart.
The Good Shepherd cares for his sheep. He leads them where the grass is lush. He leads them to clear, fresh streams. He protects them from the animals that would attack and kill. He keeps his flock together. Not one sheep is ever lost. He leads purposefully and gently. Sometimes he picks up the weak ones and holds them in his arms. He carries them close to his heart so they can hear it beat.
God’s sovereignty is the attribute by which he rules over all creation. To be sovereign, God must be all-knowing, all-powerful, and absolutely free. A. W. Tozer explains the reasons for this in The Knowledge of the Holy.
Constant change is the only thing that doesn’t change! Well, there is one other thing.
Satan comes with the “What if?” questions. “What if the surgery is not successful?” “What if the treatment doesn’t work?” “What if the cancer returns?” “What if he leaves?” “What if the counseling doesn’t help?” “What if she never comes back?” “What if my child walks away from God?” Satan knows that questions fill our minds and hearts with chaos.
Walls and towers were important parts of a biblical city’s protection. Many cities built high towers at the corners of their walls. These towers were hollow, with a staircase reaching to the top. Each served as a watchtower to spot invading armies and provide the defensive upper hand. The height placed archers at a distinct advantage as the enemy approached.
The fear of the Lord is not a cowering terror or dread. It is the honor and respect of the heavenly Father demonstrated by doing what he says. A person’s lip service does not equal an awe of God. It’s one’s obedience, even when no one else is looking, that confirms healthy fear.
God stands by the brokenhearted, but he doesn’t just stand by. He is not a passive onlooker or a well-wisher. He doesn’t need to go for help. He comes to us in our brokenness as the Divine Doctor, the Sovereign Surgeon, and the Holy Healer. He brings exactly what we need at the precise moment we need it—not a moment too soon, not a second too late.