Worshipping God is encouraging

Step 5 of “Worship no other” focuses on Isaiah 46:3-5,8-9. Only the Lord can sustain a believer thru difficult times; false gods are inept and worthless when trouble comes. He redeemed us and supports us, and He guides us with His word. It is encouraging to trust in God alone.

The exploration of the word “redeemed” in the Leader Guide (p. 100) clarifies the meaning of redemption to an Israelite. The same idea of freeing a person from a type of “slavery” and providing a fresh start can be applied today (see also Heb 12:1). Focus on wrong attitudes or burdens that enslave people today and discuss ways the Lord works to provide redemption. For example, the Lord can redeem a person:

- from an addiction and give a fresh start (place of service to others)
- an “entitlement attitude” and give a fresh start (a challenging job).
- the “poverty cycle” and give a fresh start (an educational opportunity).
- replace a “can’t do attitude” with an achievement goal
- turn negative emotions into gratitude
- pride to humility
- self-sufficiency to dependence on God
- stereotyping others to loving people
- knowledge to understanding the Living God
- entertainment to education