Good morning.
The beginning of the week has offered a touch of Indian Summer in October. I hope you’ve gotten a chance to enjoy a meal outside. Sitting in the warm sun on Monday, watching the leaves fall with a turkey sandwich and some chips was a wonderful respite, and one which caused gratefulness and thanks to the Lord to bubble up from my heart. And, as we’re complicated, there’s just a lot there.
The prophet Isaiah declared the benefits of focusing on our heavenly Father:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Is 26:3).
Perfect peace (like at my lunch) is often hard to come by. The prophet’s remedy is one whose mind is renewed each day. Isaiah encouraged God’s people to be committed to seeking the heavenly Father in the Scriptures and to stay connected with Him through prayer and worship. Here in New England, I’ve found it’s easier on a sunny day, where the warmth permeates and even gets into the core of my being. Thinking about my dad, I noticed how his fellowship with the Lord often built his personal hope, confidence and trust.
A challenge in our culture is certainly to stir the embers of our hearts into boldness. If one does not have trust and confidence in the Lord, taking risks often eludes us.
Isaiah 26 contrasts two cities. In verses 1-4, a “strong city” adorned with “salvation” from God where “the Rock eternal” comes into view.
Just like lunch on a sunny day, the prophetic message of Isaiah compels us to examine ourselves to see if we’re sincerely trusting in God alone for refuge and safety, and placing Him uppermost in our desires and affections. The scene changes in verse 5, where God deals with a proud city:
He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. Feet trample it down – the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor (Is 26:5-6).
Better to enjoy your seat on the edge of the woods with good companions, than to be removed from the front by God.
I’m excited to be with you this coming Sunday. Joe and the team will facilitate worship, and then we’ll be having a special guest who was a friend of mine from Silver Lake Regional High: Jonah Spence. He’ll be doing a message in The Jesus Way Sermon Series on Intercessory Prayer. I’m very excited about this; sure to be a gift for all who come to listen.
Grace and peace,
Seth
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