Steadfast Faith in an Extraordinary God

Isaiah 40:1-13, 25-31

In this chapter, Isaiah records God's message of consolation and self-revelation for the people of Israel, after learning that the Babylonians will conquer them. Christ is coming! At this time King Hezekiah ruled over the tribe of Judah and gloried in the treasures of His kingdom rather than in God -- the giver of such riches.

For us readers in 2006, this message will teach us, as well, of God's greatness and goodness to us personally. We will see that God alone deserves glory. Above all things we should treasure Him.

READ Isaiah 40:1-13, 25-31

After hearing these examples of God's power and strength, I ask, do we give glory to God for His marvelous works? No matter our circumstances? Do we thank Him for His lovingkindness and faithfulness?

If we truly believe that the God we worship is Maker of the Stars, the Ocean, the Mountains, the Universe, that He knows all things, that He strengthens the weak, and that He is the only God like this, then we have much reason to place our faith in Him!

And when Christ came and demonstrated all of these characteristics -- fulfilling these prophecies, we know also to worship Him as Emmanuel , God with us. After He died, resurrected and ascended, He left us His Holy Spirit. Glory to God! We must act on these truths and wait on the Lord!

Christ said He would come again! While those in the days of Isaiah looked forward to the Messiah, we know the Messiah and that He may come again during our lifetime, or we will go to Him. In both circumstances we look to Christ for our comfort, for strength to go on in the midst of our sufferings and give Him thanks as the source of those blessed moments of happiness.

The Good Shepherd

John 10:1-18

We find three kinds of shepherds in Jesus' illustration and explanation.

1. A thief posing as a shepher
- enters over the wall
- purpose: to steal, kill and destroy
2. A hired hand
- he really doesn't care about the sheep as much as he cares about having a job
- purpose: to earn a living
3. The Good Shepherd
- enters through the gate
- purpose: to give life by sacrificing His own, to protect, to watch over, to lead, to care for

The people hearing this story did not understand the meaning: some even after hearing Jesus' explanation. We must not be like them, we must know and trust in the Good shepherd who is Jesus!

How do we know the shepherd is good?
Because He came to gather His followers together that He might watch over them and give His life for them. Thus if we follow Him, we will be lead into eternal life and be delivered from evil.

Learn the sound of His voice and follow Him.

A Heart of Praise

Ephesians 1:3-14

As I read from Ephesians 1:3-14, listen for the ways in which God has blessed us:

In Paul's letter we see many reasons for praising and thanking God. He has blessed us ultimately by making a way for us to belong to Christ, who is the key, the means for having and understanding God's blessings.

God blessed us by

1. loving us even before Creation: in having a plan of salvation
2. choosing us to be HOLY in His eyes: we can come before His presence
3. making us His children: we can call God, "Father" and know that He cares, provides
4. purchasing our freedom: from sin and death
5. giving us an inheritance: eternal life, the perfect and abundant life we have longed for, the kingdom of God
6. giving us a purpose: to praise God giving Him glory for what He has done.

Pondering all of these blessings should make our hearts well up with praise to God.

Paul reminds the Ephesians of one, other blessing:
7. the gift of the Holy Spirit: a comforter, an intercessor, a teacher, a guide

If we can remember these blessings, and dwell on them each day, we will be strengthened and we will exult in the Lord. Let us have hearts of praise and make His glories known.