We Can Learn

Psalm 119:67 (NET) - Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.Its 176 verses speak of the character of God.But this time it was verse sixty-seven that captured my attention.The Psalmist is saying that he used to stray until he was made to suffer.This paints a clear picture of God as the Father.Even human fathers discipline their children when it becomes necessary.A human father disciplines his children when he must, not because he wants to.Similarly, God disciplines us only when He must.Such discipline is for our...

No Fear

Isaiah 54:14 (NET) - You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.Isaiah’s words promise the people security.He speaks of reestablishment and freedom from oppression.But these words of promise also include commands.“You will not be afraid.”“You will not be terrified.”Isaiah wrote these words centuries before the birth of Christ.But today’s world is confusing.In fact, it can even appear frightening.The world reminds us that we live in a pandemic.It reminds...

Children of the Light

Isaiah 29:15 (NET) - Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead, who do their work in secret and boast, “Who sees us? Who knows what we’re doing?”As human beings we often fail to do what we know to be right.In fact, we sometimes intentionally do what we know to be wrong.Perhaps that is because we find it easy to justify our actions.In doing so we deceive ourselves.Most importantly, we attempt to deceive God.Fooling ourselves is easy.Fooling God is impossible.Isaiah’s warning is clear.Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead.It is God who sees...