The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Conquer Futile Worry

Paula K. Graves

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October 7, 2026

Jesus warned His disciples to conquer futile worry. He had just told the Parable of the Rich Fool to illustrate that everyone needs to get their priorities straight in life. Then Jesus went on to expand the teaching. Luke 12 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? [1]

Our modern culture is filled with anxiety. “Anxiety disorders have become increasingly common, with 43% of U.S. adults reporting feeling more anxious in 2024 compared to previous years. Psychologists attributed this to various factors, including stress from current events and lifestyle changes.” [2]

Many of Jesus’ listeners were poor and were one disaster from destitution. But worry wouldn’t help. Corrie Ten Boom, who endured a Nazi prison camp, gives us wisdom. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”[3] Worry is pointless since it changes nothing and consumes our time and energy.

Easy to Say, Hard to Do

We understand the need to stop feeling anxious, but it can be difficult. Worry distracts us from focusing on God. When we look to Scripture, it can help us conquer futile worry.

First, we need to trust God’s plan. Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [4]

If trusting God is difficult, remember how faithful God has been. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.[5]

Combat worry with prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [6]

Engage support from other believers. Galatians 6: 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.[7]

Seek God First

When we worry, we become preoccupied with ourselves, our needs, and our desires. By diverting our focus from ourselves to God, our worries will diminish. As we make God’s Kingdom our priority, we will open the door to the Lord’s provision and care.

Jesus Himself tells us this: Matthew 6: 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. [8]

May you release the hold of fear and anxiety by leaning into faith, which brings peace and a sense of security in God’s love and care. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1,4-8] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/annual-poll-adults-express-increasing-anxiousness, accessed 6-22-26.

[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 221). Victor Books.

Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith

Tom Graves

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October 6, 2026

Overcoming anxiety through faith is at the heart of Jesus’ teaching, as seen in His warning about the dangers of greed. Luke 12:22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. [1]

Jesus understood that worries about daily necessities can easily dominate our thoughts. Yet Jesus reminds us that life is far greater than merely meeting physical needs. Luke 12:“23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.[2]” Human existence was never intended to revolve around survival alone. God created us to know and worship Him, and participate in His kingdom purposes.

Anxiety often reveals that we have placed too much value on temporary things and too little confidence in eternal realities. When our hearts become consumed with earthly concerns, faith calls us to lift our eyes higher. The antidote to anxiety begins with remembering that our lives belong to God. Our greatest need is not material provision but a living relationship with Him through Christ.

Consider the Ravens

To help His disciples understand God’s care, Jesus pointed to one of the most unlikely examples in nature: Luke 12:24 “Look at the ravens.” They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds![3]

In Jewish culture, ravens were considered unclean birds and were hardly admired. Yet despite their lowly status, God faithfully provides for them every day. If God cares for scavenging birds, how much more will He care for human beings made in His image and redeemed through His Son?

Jesus teaches that our security ultimately rests not in our efforts but in God’s faithful provision. Ravens do not anxiously hoard supplies or obsess over tomorrow’s needs. Their very existence testifies to their Creator’s ongoing care. Faith grows when we remember that our circumstances are never beyond God’s attention.

Trust the Father and Seek His Kingdom

Jesus would later point to the lilies of the field. Luke 12: 27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.[4] In ancient societies, spinning thread and weaving cloth required exhausting labor. Yet God clothes the flowers with effortless beauty. Their splendor proclaims His generosity and care.

Ultimately, God’s greatest provision is found in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He meets our deepest spiritual need and reconciles us to God. Because of Christ, we can trust that the Father who secured our eternal salvation will also care for our daily needs. We must focus on overcoming anxiety through faith.

Instead of surrendering to worry, Jesus calls us to seek God’s kingdom first. Today, whatever burden weighs upon your heart, remember: the God who feeds the ravens and clothes the flowers is watching over you. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Consider the Rich Fool

Paula K. Graves

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October 5, 2026

As Jesus began His teaching on greed, He asked His audience to consider the rich fool, then told a parable. Luke 12: 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ [1]

Plans and Presumption

The rich farmer obviously had plans; but they were all for himself. He had no thought for anyone else or God. His joy seems to come from things, but he forgot that things don’t last forever. He had left God out of the picture and had become wise in his own eyes. He didn’t understand that he lacked the true wisdom from God.

The world tells us to take care of number one, ourselves. Certainly, God gives us blessings so that we can take care of ourselves. Investing and saving money are not sinful in and of themselves. But this life is only temporary, and the rich fool had overlooked this fact. As Warren Wiersbe says, “People who are satisfied only with the things that money can buy are in great danger of losing the things that money cannot buy.”[2]

The greatest tragedy in the parable is not what the man left behind but what the man faced going forward: an eternity without God. His money couldn’t keep him alive, nor could it buy back all the opportunities he missed while chasing the money. Because the rich fool had not put God as the center of his life, he lacked an eternal perspective.

Prioritizing True Riches

Jesus warned that such earthly prosperity is meaningless in light of eternity. Luke 12: 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”[3] A relationship with God changes our priorities. Our focus switches from our selfish desires to what God desires. He has created each of us to be a part of His Kingdom. We realize that we are to use our resources and blessings to fulfill God’s priorities and not our own.

Jesus told the Parable of the Rich Fool as a wake-up call to His audience then and to us now. How should we use our time, talents, and treasure? The parable warns of the danger of spiritual complacency and reminds us that life is short. God has placed each of us in a unique situation and will guide us in the wise use of our blessings if we ask. As we make decisions, we can ask ourselves, whose kingdom am I building, mine or the Lord’s? We want to invest in spiritual riches, loving others and serving God, through following Jesus’ teachings and trusting His promises. 1 Corinthians 15: 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.[4] Consider the rich fool. To learn more, listen here:

[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 220). Victor Books.

Finding True Value in Life

Tom Graves

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October 4, 2026

Finding true value in life is a matter that can only be answered through a relationship with God. This truth becomes clear when a man approached Jesus seeking help with an inheritance dispute. Luke 12 13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” [1]The man’s question revealed a heart preoccupied with material wealth. Rather than settling the argument, Jesus redirected the conversation toward a greater spiritual reality.

How often are we like this man? We can become consumed by financial concerns, possessions, investments, and earthly gain. While these things are not inherently wrong, they can easily distract us from what truly matters. Jesus knew the greatest danger was not an unequal inheritance but a misplaced heart. Material pursuits can quietly become the measure of our worth, success, and security.

Jesus invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we seeking temporary treasures while neglecting eternal ones? Are we allowing possessions to define our identity? Christ calls us beyond earthly disputes and into a relationship with Him, reminding us that He Himself is the true inheritance worth seeking.

The Warning Against Greed

Jesus responded with a solemn warning: Luke 12:15 Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” [2] It wasn’t unusual for rabbis to be called to help settle legal matters. But Jesus declined to get involved. He understood that greed is not merely a financial problem but a spiritual one.

The inheritance dispute was only a surface problem. The real problem was greedy hearts. No matter what Jesus might decide, they wouldn’t be happy. What the brothers needed was a heart change. They had come, as many people do today, to get something from Jesus rather than to serve Jesus.

Jesus challenges us to examine what we truly value. God doesn’t measure success in His Kingdom by the abundance of possessions but by the richness of our relationship with Him. True abundance is found not in what we accumulate but in knowing Jesus, the ultimate treasure and the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

The Richness of Generosity

When we discover Jesus as our true treasure, our priorities begin to shift. Instead of clinging to what we own, we become people of generosity. As God opens heaven to us through Christ, He frees us to share what He has given us with others.

Faith and generosity have lasting value because they reflect the heart of God. The unexpected rewards of a life lived for God’s Kingdom far exceed any material wealth. Our true worth is not defined by our possessions but by how we invest our lives in God’s Kingdom and in serving others. As we abide in Christ, we learn that lasting joy comes from trusting God’s provision and reflecting His love through generous living. May we value eternal treasure over temporary wealth and find our greatest riches in Jesus, our true inheritance and everlasting reward. To learn more about finding true value in life, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Call to Spiritual Vigilance

Tom Graves

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October 3, 2026

The call to spiritual vigilance is not something we think about much, but we should! When Isaiah received his commission, God included a sobering message. The people would hear but not understand, see but not perceive.

Isaiah 6:11 Then I said, “Lord, how long will this go on?” And he replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; 12 until the Lord has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted. [1] In these verses, the Lord reveals that judgment will come because of persistent spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. The nation had grown indifferent to God’s truth, resisting His warnings and refusing to heed His voice.

This passage reminds us that spiritual complacency is dangerous. A heart that continually ignores God’s conviction can gradually become numb to His truth. As believers, God calls us to remain watchful. Spiritual vigilance means regularly examining our hearts, listening carefully to God’s Word, and responding quickly to His leading. The question Isaiah’s audience faced is one we must also consider: Are we truly hearing God’s voice, or have we become comfortable with spiritual indifference?

Hope Preserved Through the Remnant

Although Isaiah’s prophecy contains judgment, it is not without hope; a remnant would remain. Isaiah 6:13 “Israel’s stump will be a holy seed.” [2] While many would reject God and the country would be devastated, He would preserve a faithful people through whom His purposes would continue.

This truth reveals God’s faithfulness. Human rebellion cannot cancel God’s promises. Even in seasons of spiritual decline, God preserves those who trust Him. Throughout Scripture, the remnant represents those who remain steadfast when others turn away. Their faithfulness becomes a testimony to God’s sustaining grace.

We live in a culture where biblical truth is often dismissed or ignored. Yet God calls His people to stand firm. God has never required His people to follow the crowd. He calls them to follow Him. The remnant reminds us that genuine faith often requires perseverance, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s promises.

Christ: The Cure for Spiritual Blindness

The promise of the remnant ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity’s deepest problem is not merely ignorance but spiritual blindness. Left to ourselves, we cannot fully see God’s glory or understand His truth. Yet Christ came to open blind eyes and awaken dead hearts.

Jesus is the answer to Isaiah’s warning. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides forgiveness, renewal, and spiritual sight. He calls all people to repent, believe, and follow Him. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to remain alert, responsive, and faithful. As we abide in Him, our hearts remain tender, our eyes remain open, and our ears remain attentive to His voice.

To learn more about the call to spiritual vigilance, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Lessons From Isaiah’s Commission

Tom Graves

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October 2, 2026

We can learn many lessons from Isaiah’s Commission. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ 10 Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” [1] Isaiah 6:9-10. As you read these words, this is a difficult assignment from the Lord.

God commanded Isaiah to proclaim His truth to a people who would largely refuse to listen. Humanly speaking, this ministry seemed destined for disappointment. God called this prophet to speak His Word regardless of the response he received.

This passage reminds us that God does not deliberately make people blind, deaf, or hard-hearted. Rather, persistent resistance to God’s truth gradually dulls the heart’s ability to receive it. The more people reject God’s Word, the less responsive they become. Isaiah’s preaching would expose the condition of their hearts, revealing their continued rebellion against the Lord.

Believers today often face a similar challenge. Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim His truth and leave the results in His hands.

The Reality of Obedience Amid Adversity

Isaiah’s commission teaches that obedience often carries a cost. Following God’s call may bring misunderstanding, criticism, loneliness, or disappointment. The prophet knew from the start that many would reject his message, yet God expected him to go.

This reality challenges modern Christians who are tempted to equate faithfulness with comfort or success. Scripture consistently teaches otherwise. God often calls His servants to persevere through adversity for His glory. Obedience does not depend on favorable circumstances or positive responses; it is rooted in trust that God’s purposes are greater than our immediate experience.

When we encounter resistance because of our faith, we should not be surprised or discouraged. Instead, we should recognize that faithful discipleship has always involved sacrifice.

Christ: The Perfect Example of Costly Obedience

The ultimate example of obedience is Jesus Christ. He proclaimed truth, called sinners to repentance, and demonstrated perfect love, yet He was rejected by many. He endured mockery and suffering, ultimately facing the cross. Still, He remained fully committed to the Father’s redemptive plan.

Christ’s obedience shows us that while faithfulness may involve suffering, it is never wasted. Through His sacrifice came redemption, salvation, and victory over sin and death. What appeared to be defeat became the means of God’s greatest triumph. As followers of Christ, He calls us to walk a similar path. Therefore, let us serve courageously, trusting that every act of faithful obedience brings glory to God and advances His purposes, regardless of the response we receive.

To learn more lessons from Isaiah’s commission, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:9–10). Tyndale House Publishers.

Here I Am, Send Me

Tom Graves

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October 1, 2026

Isaiah’s powerful response to God was no accident. Isaiah 6:8b“I said, “Here I am. Send me.”[1]  Before he spoke those words, he had a life-changing encounter with the holiness of God. Standing before the Lord’s majesty, Isaiah became acutely aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. He cried out, recognizing that he was a man of unclean lips living among a people who were also spiritually needy. Yet God did not leave him in his brokenness. Through His grace, God cleansed Isaiah and prepared him for service.

The same pattern holds true today. God often calls us after revealing His holiness and love to us in a deeper way. When we spend time in His presence, He transforms our hearts. We begin to see ourselves honestly, receive His forgiveness, and recognize the needs around us. A heart touched by God’s cleansing fire becomes willing to serve. Our readiness to answer God’s call grows out of our relationship with Him.

A Willing Response to God’s Call

The nation of Judah desperately needed God’s message, and God desired a servant who would carry His word to the people. God had a question. Isaiah 6:8a“Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?” [2] Isaiah immediately volunteered. Unlike Moses, who initially questioned and resisted his assignment, Isaiah did not debate, negotiate, or delay. He simply made himself available to his Master.

What made Isaiah’s response so immediate? He had been in God’s presence and understood his own need for grace. He saw the spiritual condition of the people around him. Most importantly, he heard God’s heart for His people and the nations. Isaiah’s words, “Send me,” reflected complete surrender and trust.

God still calls believers today. The specific assignment may differ, but the response God desires remains the same: a willing heart. Never underestimate what God can do through one person who is fully available to Him.

Following the Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of obedience. He willingly accepted the Father’s call and carried out His mission without hesitation. Though the path led to suffering and the cross, Jesus faithfully obeyed because of His love for the Father and for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He demonstrated what it means to be completely surrendered to God’s will.

As followers of Christ, He invites us into that same mission. God not only calls us but also equips us. He transforms reluctance into readiness, fear into faith, and weakness into strength. When we encounter God’s holiness and hear His voice, we are empowered to step forward in obedience. Today, consider where God may be sending you. Whatever the assignment, may our response echo Isaiah’s words: “Here I am. Send me.”

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

From Unclean Lips to Holy Service

Tom Graves

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September 30, 2026

Isaiah is transformed from unclean lips to holy service as God calls him to be a prophet. Standing before the overwhelming holiness of God, Isaiah became painfully aware of his own spiritual condition. After seeing the Lord seated on His throne, he was in despair. Isaiah 6:5 “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips.”[1]  The closer Isaiah came to God’s holiness, the clearer he saw his own sinfulness.

This is often the first step in spiritual transformation for many of us. We cannot experience God’s cleansing power until we honestly acknowledge our need for it. In a culture that promotes self-sufficiency, Scripture calls us to be vulnerable and honest before God.

Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, believing their flaws disqualify them from serving God. Yet Isaiah’s experience teaches the opposite. Awareness of our spiritual condition is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of grace. God does not reject those who come to Him broken and aware of their need. Instead, He meets them to bring restoration.

The Grace That Purifies

Isaiah could not cleanse himself. His transformation required divine intervention. A seraph flew to him, carrying a burning coal from the altar and touched his lips. Isaiah 6:7 “10-1-26

” [2]  The very lips Isaiah identified as unclean became the point of God’s cleansing touch.

This burning coal symbolizes God’s purifying power. The coal came from the altar of sacrifice. It was the remnant of a blood sacrifice to redeem the sin. It reminds us that forgiveness is not something we achieve by our own efforts.

God Himself provides the means of cleansing. For Christians, this finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Christ became the perfect atonement for our sins. His blood cleanses us of all unrighteousness and restores us to fellowship with God.

No failure is beyond His grace. No past mistake is too great for His forgiveness. Just as God initiated Isaiah’s purification, Christ initiates our redemption and restoration. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, He removes our guilt and grants us a new identity. We don’t need to define ourselves by our sin but by His grace.

The Fire That Sends

God’s purification always has a purpose. He cleanses us so that we can participate in His work. Forgiveness ignites passion. Grace produces obedience. Those who have experienced God’s mercy become instruments of His mercy in the world.

The God who touched Isaiah’s lips still transforms lives today. Let us come honestly before Him, receive the cleansing Christ provides, and answer His call with courage. God’s purification fuels a passion for service, turning unclean lips into voices that proclaim His glory and advance His mission.

To learn more about the transformation from unclean lips to holy service, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Doomed by Sin

Paula K. Graves

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September 29, 2026

After experiencing the worship of heaven and God’s holiness, Isaiah felt doomed by sin. Isaiah 6: 5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” [1]

Isaiah realized that his life was in great contrast to the holiness of God. He promptly confessed his sin and understood how serious his problem was.

Woe is Me

The NLT interprets the beginning of verse 5 as “It’s all over!” The ESV translates it as “Woe is me!”[2] The Hebrew word translated woe means a passionate cry of grief or despair. [3] But the wider use of woe in Scripture has a greater connotation. “Woe is an exclamation of judgment upon God’s enemies, or of misfortune on oneself, or of sadness over those who fail to recognize the true misery of their condition.[4]

Here, Isaiah despairs over his sin, which he fears will bring his doom. He knows he deserves divine judgment for his sin and rebellion against God. Isaiah had heard the seraphim’s song of praise to God for His holiness. He knew that he was not holy and had seen God in the vision.

Isaiah would have known what God had said to Moses. Exodus 33: 19 The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.”[5]

Filthy Lips

Isaiah focused on filthy lips. This may sound odd to us today, but Jesus taught that filthy lips imply a sinful heart. Matthew 12: 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.[6]

God’s vision made Isaiah aware of his personal sin and unworthiness. And not only was he sinful, but so were all the people around him. Isaiah needed transformation, or he was doomed to experience God’s judgment.

Our Call to Transformation

We must recognize our need for transformation before we are willing to let God transform us. When we, like Isaiah, are confronted with the might and purity of God’s presence, we must confess our sins. Then we must humbly acknowledge our need for grace. Jesus’ work on the cross provides the means for our reconciliation and cleansing. Romans 5: 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.[7] We are no longer doomed by sin, but saved by grace through faith! What an awesome God we serve. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:5). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Is 6:5). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.

[5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Experiencing Holiness

Paula K. Graves

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September 28, 2026

Isaiah found himself experiencing holiness in a God-given vision. Isaiah 6: 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. [1]

The seraphim were heavenly beings who perpetually sang God’s praises. Even these beings don’t look directly at God. They cover their faces because they recognize God’s overwhelming holiness and majesty. “The traditional interpretation of the seraphim links them to the Hebrew word for “burning,” so some think these creatures are called “seraphim” because they burn with the love of God.”[2]

Holy, Holy, Holy

The seraphim praise God for being holy. “The Hebrew word for holy is “qodesh,” which means “apartness, sacredness,” or “separateness,” showing that God is altogether holy, sacred, set apart, or separate from His creation.”[3] Isaiah has encountered God’s absolute otherness and purity. A genuine encounter with God’s glory can strip away our complacency and move us towards a more intentional and passionate pursuit of His purposes.

Any time Scripture repeats a word, it increases its importance. Here the seraphim repeated the word “holy” three times. This implies the ultimate holiness of God. God’s power shakes the Temple and fills it with smoke. God can remove the earthly things that can be shaken and replace them with His things that cannot be shaken. The smoke would also block Isaiah’s direct view of God and help protect him from God’s overwhelming power.

Awe of God

Many of us have lost our awe of God. We want to remake our picture of God into something we can understand. We think of the word holy just meaning to be moral or to follow the rules and have lost the idea that God is totally unlike us. Isaiah’s vision helps us grasp God’s separateness, glory, and unapproachable holiness. The vision leaves us in awe of God.

When we see God as holy and majestic, it transforms our understanding of His character. His holiness is in great contrast to our sinfulness. It is only through the work of Jesus on the cross that we are enabled to approach God’s holiness with confidence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we want God’s holiness to permeate our lives to reshape our actions. The shaking of the Temple serves as a metaphor for how our lives should resonate with and be reshaped by God’s purposes.

Isaiah’s vision challenges us to live in constant awareness of God’s being and character. When we realize our need for Jesus because of God’s holiness, we are willing to carry out His mission to impact those around us. To learn more about experiencing holiness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:2–4). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Walker, L. L., Elmer A. Martens. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations (Vol. 8, p. 38). Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-is-the-biblical-definition-of-holy/

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