THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR

ISAIAH 42:15-16

January 29, 2006

Pastor William Underwood

Today we begin a Lunar New Year. Every day will bring new experiences and adventures. We have no idea what we will face in the days ahead. We do not know what the future holds but we do know WHO holds the future. He holds each one of us in His strong and mighty hand. Let's think about the possibilities that will face us.

I - THE PATH - Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord, lead me in a straight path."
A- An Unknown Path - Genesis 12 - God called Abraham to follow Him into unknown places.
1-We like to know where we are going - we want a map!
2-In His mercy, God veils the future from our eyes.
3-We are only safe when God is leading us.
B- An Untravelled Path - Joshua 3:4 "You will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
1-Every day and every experience will be new to us.
2-A horse can find its way home in total darkness.
C- An Unexplored Path - Proverbs 4:18-27 (Read)
1-These are wise words for all of us to follow.
2-God knows the end from the beginning - trust Him!

II - THE PROBLEMS
A- "Diverse paths" are "crooked paths" - vs. 16
B- "Dark Paths " - "I will turn darkness into light before you" vs. 16
C- Difficult Paths are "mountains and hills" - vs. 15
D- Dangerous Paths are "rough places" - vs. 16
E- Desolate Paths are "unfamiliar places" "lonely" vs. 16
F- Delightful Paths - "These are the things I will do" vs. 16

III - THE PROMISES
A- His Presence - "I will"
B- His Assurance - "I will not forsake them"
C- His Guidance - "I will guide them"
D- His Promises - "These are the things I will do"
E- Our Confidence - Isaiah 12:2 "I will trust and not be afraid"

Today we begin a new journey into strange and unfamiliar places. Wherever He leads we are safe because He is with us. He has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Put your trust in Him and let Him lead you every moment of every day. It is the ONLY safe way to live.