July 25, 2018: SOAP #3156: Isaiah 43-45; 1Peter 4

Scripture:  Isaiah (NIV) 43:14 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel…18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Observation:   God was speaking to His people.  Elsewhere in this chapter, God speaks about their history.  He reminds them of what He has done for them.  But God does not want His people to live in the past.  The God who delivered them in the past is with them now!  He is not only with them, He is doing a new thing in the present!

Application:  As a senior citizen, I would miss so much if I only took time to think about the past.  God has new things for me to experience, enjoy, accomplish today.  I do not have as much strength today as I once did, but God was never counting on my strength.  I may not have as much ready cash as I once did, but God was never counting on my finances.  I may not be able to travel as much as I once did, but God has me where He wants me.  My faith is stronger.  My knowledge of God’s Word is still growing.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are the God of my past and my future.  For that I am thankful.  But knowing that you are the God of my present, you are my God now—that causes my heart beat with anticipation.  I want to live ready to hear your voice and do your will.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!