Morning Devotional 111725 A New Way

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

November 17, 2025 

Isaiah 43:16-21

16 The LORD says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise; they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. 18 Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. 19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. 20 The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, 21 this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise.

Good Morning! God makes all things new!

Whenever someone announces that they are going to do a new thing, there is a collective gasp in the room. Almost immediately, people start taking sides: those who will fight against the change, those who will ignore it, and those who will embrace it. 

Even if the current approach is flawed, some would rather continue with the known than risk trying something different. The most interesting group consists of those who shake their heads in support, but then close their doors and continue doing what they’ve always done. 

While it seems that those who embrace change are the ones you want on your team, they, too, are challenging because they sometimes are too quick to accept new ideas for the sake of change. I think of the people in Corinth who were easily swayed by the next great prophet who wandered into their town.

The New Testament is full of warnings to seek God’s truth so as not to be deceived by false prophets. In 2 Timothy 4, we read, 3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 

God sent Jesus to teach us a new way: a way of love, peace, and mercy where all are welcome at the Lord’s table.

Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us discern Your truth from the messages that surround us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Open your heart and mind to God’s word.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! Pastor Liz