Who is teaching you how to live? In an age of YouTube tutorials, online influencers, and self-help gurus, it seems everyone has an opinion on how you should live your life — how to find success, happiness, or peace. So how's that working out for you? How come so many people follow the advice of the world and yet still feel empty, anxious, or lost?

God, in today's Old Testament reading speaks through Isaiah with a bold and tender reminder: “I am the Lord your God… who teaches you what is good for you… and leads you along the paths you should follow.” The Hebrew word for “teaches” here carries the idea not only of imparting knowledge but of training, discipling, shaping through experience. God does not simply give us rules; He forms us, moulds us, and instructs us like a loving Father. The other side of that coin being that Isaiah is talking to Israel who has become a disobedient and rebellious child, turning their back on God, making deals with pagans and cheating on Him by worshipping idols. When a child become disobedient and rebellious what does a father normally do? Well back then, they kicked butt and Israel got its butt kicked a time or two by God. But I don't think He liked doing it! He does, to this day, still love Israel.

Today western culture is currently a mess, we too live in a culture that says, “Follow your heart,” “Live your truth,” “Do whatever makes you happy.” too often at someone else's expense, and while denying reality. But God says: “Let Me teach you what is truly good.”

So what does God call good? Justice, mercy, and humility before Him — not pride, greed, or self-reliance.

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8

Isaiah 48:17 continues: “…and leads you along the paths you should follow.” The word “leads” translates properly as tread, to make a way, to guide by walking ahead.God does not just give us a map; He walks the road with us.

If you are celebrating Hanukkah this year, (Jesus celebrated Hanukkah!) then today is the day to make sure you have the candles and to set up your Hanukkah lights/Menorah. Hanukkah begins on the 14th December this year.