All around the world people search for the meaning of life and how to journey through life with the greatest success. Many people pursue life through questions while others seek and search for answers and truth. Religion appeals to one’s sense of self, purpose, morality, and prosperity for life, yet can leave one void and empty of the Truth. The scripture passage teaches us the meaning of life comes from God and His word. God invites all to “Come…and He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” Success in life comes from God. God calls all to have life and have life with purpose, that we may journey in life through Him. God promises “rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16) to those who seek “His ways and walk in His paths.” The way of the Lord is “the word of the LORD.” Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:14) and He is the Way (Jn 14:6). Those whom “He will teach…and will walk in His paths” must first “Come.” Jesus declared, “no one cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (Jn 14:6) and all who come to Jesus “will in no wise cast out” (Jn 6:37). All who come to Jesus will receive the promise of the Father “that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life” (Jn 6:40). The church, the body of Christ, is the new Zion that “the law shall go forth…and the word of the LORD” be proclaimed from the “house of God.” My friend, we learn the ways of the Lord through the preached word of God declared by the truths in Christ Jesus. In Christ, the love of the Father is manifested unto the world, the grace of God is available to all for salvation from sin, and the hope of eternal life is made possible through the Death, Burial, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ. This my friend is the true meaning for life. To know the Father, and the Son, have eternal life, and walk in the paths of His ways. Dear friend, “Come,” to the house of God, hear the preached word of God, worship God in Spirit and in Truth, and go out to “walk in His paths.” Father thank You for Your love and “let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You” (Ps 70:4) and may all who taste Your salvation magnify You Holy Name. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

In troubled times, when life seems so distracting and distressing, are times when we most want assurance, for things to settle, and peace and calm for our soul. Troubles expose our weaknesses and reveal the insecurities that we can fear most. It is in troubled times that our stability, security, and strength seem to falter and fail, and we feel most stranded and alone. Troubles tend to cause us to pause, look out, and look up. The scripture passage reminds us that in our distress, difficulties, distractions, and darkness that “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high, and lifted up” is our help and hope in troubled times. He is upon His throne, “high and lifted up,” far above all other authority, power, or dominion in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). His power and might exceed all strengths. His wisdom excels all counsel, all confidence, and all securities. His throne is established from eternity past, and His rule and reign are everlasting. The Lord sits upon His throne and bids all to come, and when we come, cast our cares upon Him. He knows our every weakness. He knows our cares and troubles. He bids all to come and behold “the Lord sitting upon a throne” crowned by Love supreme. He bids all to come and behold the Savior, the Lamb of God that was slain, Who is in the midst of the Throne. Love superior, Love supreme through His Son, Jesus Christ. My friend, troubles may burden you, they may break you, they may bog you down, but when they do, humble yourself and pray, seek the face of the Lord (2 Chron 7:14), for He hears you and will answer your cry (Isa 30:19). Those who humble themselves and press beyond the religion, the rituals, the righteousness of self, and with great humility will see as Isaiah “saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.” Humbly bow in His presence, with a contrite heart, and He will touch you from the “throne of grace” (Heb 4:16) with mercy and grace to help in time of need. Dear friend, the world is full of troubles, many voices distract and discourage us, but child of God is never without help nor hope. Only look to the Lord on High, for He is mighty, and He overcomes all fear and trouble. He has defeated death, hell, and the grave through His own Death, Resurrection, and Ascension and is now “seated at the right hand of the throne of Majesty (Heb 8:1), the Throne of Grace. He is Lord of lords and King of kings! He is the Great “I AM.” Father thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. When I am burden, beaten, and cast down, help me to look up and lift mine eyes unto You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.