Date: 15th February 2023
Topic: Isaiah’s Truths: Lesson 19: Be careful not to falter!
Bible Reading: Isaiah 5 (ESV)
Memory verse: Isaiah 5: 9
The Lord of hosts has sworn in my hearing: “Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! How are you doing? It is our prayer and hope that your week has been great, thus far! Be encouraged! Know that God is faithful! He is with us, and He has given us the power to overcome! The enemy has no seat at our table. With that authority you had as a child of God, claim what is yours and walk in your victory! Hallelujah! It is our prayer that your lips will be filled with a beautiful song- praising God for His Goodness and His Mercies! Hallelujah! This God we serve is awesome! Isn’t it a joy to be called His child?
Today, we continue our Isaiah’s Truths series. By God’s Grace, we are on lesson 19 and we will be looking at the consequences we face when we falter. As Christians, it is important to know that every decision we take; have consequences. Just like receiving rewards are the consequences of following God; there are some consequences when one decides to go against God.
As Christians, we are given so many wonderful rewards by our Father. These rewards include Grace, mercy, favour, etc. There are some people who take God for granted! They call themselves Christians and expect nothing but the best from God. Once they face any trail or tribulation, they get disappointed and fall back to their old ways. There are another group of people who keep falling back to their old ways because God is forgiving. They want to enjoy the perks of the world and yet, enjoy the perks of being a child of God. Unfortunately, that’s not the right way. There are another group of people who identify as Christians only in a family setting or for legality purposes. This is not what Christianity is about. Choosing to be a child of God means choosing Him every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Obeying His Commands and building a relationship with our Father no longer becomes a chore but a necessity.
From the Bible verse for the day, the Holy Spirit is drawing our attention to the consequences of turning away from God. The verse states, “…Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant.” This statement holds a lot of meaning. First, as a child of the world, you are not able to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Houses are structures built to be a place of rest and a representation of wealth. From this statement, the Holy Spirit is telling us that all who do not follow Christ, work in vain. They would not get to enjoy the wealth they have worked for (physically and spiritually). Most importantly, these people will not find rest or a place of refuge. This means that they will, constantly, be in fear and turmoil- getting more involved in the ways of the world.
Secondly, this phrase shows us that these people do not have a place in heaven, with the Father. We know from John 14:1-3 that, heaven is a place with many mansions for the children of God. By this statement in Isaiah 5:9, the Holy Spirit is telling us that all who turn away from God will not get to enjoy the presence of God in His House. S/He will not make it to heaven to be enjoy the presence of God for eternity. This is not pleasant. This is what we all do not want to happen- missing the chance to go to heaven!
Lastly, looking at the verse for the day, a word stands out sorely. This word is “many.” The verse says that “...many houses will be desolate…” this means that there are many people who would not get the opportunity to enjoy eternity with God. Many people despite hearing the Word of God (or not) will not make it. To make it to the Father, one must be very intentional about living a Christ-like life, obeying the Holy Spirit, with the direction of the Holy Spirit.
In these modern times, it has become quite difficult to stay focused and in-line with all that God has said. Why? Well, Christians are trying so hard to fit in and find a common ground between the ways of this world and God. There are so many things are socially and/or politically correct; that many Christians have adopted. This, indeed, make the road narrow- like Matthew 7:14 conveys.
My dear brother and sister in Christ, this post is not to scare or discourage you! The purpose of this piece is to encourage you to take your relationship with God seriously. Be intentional about your relationship. Do well to do all that is written; and all that God tells you to do! It is not always easy; you have a helper, always ready, willing and prepared to help you no matter what- the Holy Spirit! Be encouraged today! Be encouraged and arise! God richly bless you!
Thank you, God, for victory!
Have a wonderful day and let God inspire you!
If this is your first-time hearing about Christ, or you have made the decision to make Him the center of your life, kindly say this prayer with all sincerity and truth.
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son, and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. You get to enjoy the freedom, salvation, and eternal life! Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are,
1. Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word, day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
2. Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.