“Walking in the Light”    Isaiah 2:1-8  In Isaiah 2:5 there is an invitation to “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”  “Walking in the Light” is also a common New Testament theme.  The prophecies of Isaiah help us understand when we are walking in the light, and when we are not. Signs of a People Walking in Darkness:

• Too much like the rest of the world. (2:6)
• Too much dependence on material wealth. (2:7a)
• Too much dependence on military might. (2:7b)
• Too much human pride resulting in idolatry. (2:8)

Signs of Walking in the Light of the Lord:

• A commitment to worship. (2:2-3)
• An acceptance of all people.
• Taking a stand for justice. (2:4a)
• Striving for peace. (2:4b)

Let us, as followers of Jesus, set a positive example for our neighbors and our nation.  Then let us also offer the invitation to come and walk in the light of the Lord.

“The Thorn in Your Flesh”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10  The Apostle Paul battled with some aggravation or disability in his life which he called a “thorn in the flesh.”  He repeatedly asked the Lord to take it away, but instead the Lord used it to teach him some valuable lessons.  How should we handle the thorns in our lives? Seek God in it.

• “Three times I pleaded with the Lord …” (v.8)

Seek Grace for it.

• “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you …’” (v.9a)

Seek Glory through it.

• “Therefore I will boast (glory) all the more gladly about my weaknesses …” (v.9b)

Seek Contentment despite it.

• “That is why, for Christ sake, I delight in weaknesses …” (v.10)

“Building Walls Around Your Family”  Nehemiah 2:11-18 Nehemiah was the cup-bearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia at the time the Jewish exiles were returning to their homeland.  He was appointed governor for his people, and made rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem his top priority.  On this Father’s Day, his example provides some valuable lessons for parents who want to build walls of protection around their families.

• Our marriages need protection.
• Our children and grandchildren also need protection.

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES

• We need passion.
• We need prayer.
• We need planning.
• We need persistence.