Oct. 31, 2012
Jeremiah 18
The potter and the clay. We love this imagery. God has the right to fashion us anyway He chooses.
He is the Potter. In this passage God is showing Jeremiah that He will take a nation and act according to the evil that nation does or the repentance that nation shows. Judah has refused to turn back. They insist on continuing in their stubbornness and evil. Disaster is coming and they know it, but they will not repent!
Jeremiah has had enough! He has spoken the Word of the Lord, he has been faithful to do all the Lord has told him to do. But the people have turned a deaf ear and now they are refusing to listen at all. They have prepared a pit to throw him into. So, he will no longer try to turn away the wrath of God, but instead asks God to act.
Ch. 19
Another illustration is given from the potter's hand. This time a earthenware vessel is taken to Topheth and broken into pieces, unrepairable. Here the people of Jerusalem will also be shattered. Why?
v4 "because they have forsaken Me."
v4b "because they have filled this pace with the blood of the innocent"
v13 "because of all the houses on whose rooftops they burned sacrifices to all the heavenly host and poured out libations to other gods"
v15 "because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words"
The sins of Judah are the sins of America, aren't they?
Have we too, forsaken God? forsaken- azab, to loosen, relinquish, fail, leave. Many in America have chosen to leave God. Our laws are being loosened that protect religious freedoms. Atheists seem to have more rights than Christians. We are a nation in danger.
Have we too filled the land with innocent blood? People in Israel and Judah were so committed to their false gods that they would even offer their children as burnt sacrifices. Mannasseh, an evil king offered his own sons and daughters to Baal. The Lord called this evil. So awful that He would never even think of such a thing! God valued the life of children. He still does. Yet we have a nation that has legalized abortion. A president who defends such a practice as a right and pridefully calls it a patriotic stand. We have filled our land with the blood of innocent babies.
Have we too offered sacrifices to the heavenly host? How many millions of dollars have been spent on missions to Mars and to space? We may not offer sheep or oxen, but we offer the money that could feed the poor and provide of the needy.
Have we stiffened our neck also? oh yes, our nation does not want to heed God's Word any more than Israel or Judah. We say the same thing that Judah did, " It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart" 3:12
We are a nation that has turned away from God. Yet, there are still many who have not forsaken Him also. Thank You Father that You are still at work in America! The church is still alive and we must continue to keep our faces turned to Him and obey His Word. We must protect the innocent, keep from defiling our land with false idols. God have mercy on us! Work among us! Purify us! May Your kingdom come!!!
Amen
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Oct. 30.2012
Jeremiah 17
verses 1-18 are a clear message to Judah - Blessing comes if you trust the Lord, curses come if you trust in mankind. They chose to trust in men and the curse came. They gave up their inheritance and clung to their idols. Those who forsake the Lord are put to shame. Those who look to Him are not.
Jeremiah prays a humble prayer " Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved; For thou art my praise" God is our only Hope! In every trial and problem. Trust in Him alone.
V. 19-27 It seems as if the Lord gives a lifeline to Judah in this message. One commandment - can they keep just ONE? A fairly easy one - Keep the Sabbath Day. Not to difficult, not a lot to ask?
Just stop doing business as usual on the Sabbath. Stop doing business and God will bless the whole city of Jerusalem and all the people of Judah. But, ignore this final offer and there will be devastation and loss. A fire will destroy Jerusalem.
Seems like a no brainer! But, they refused to listen. Destruction comes.
What would we do in this situation? Would we give up 1 day of business for the Lord? We used to do that in our country, but things have changed here too. Sunday has become a day of recreation instead of a day of rest. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus is our Rest, our Sabbath. Heb. 4: 9-10 "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who had entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. "
So, what does this mean? There is one requirement for salvation. Do this ONE thing and you will be saved. Enter into Jesus!
Jer. 17: 10 " I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." and compare Heb. 4: 12-13 " For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bared to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews lays out the consequences of disobedience , specifically unbelief. They did not enter His Rest. Heb. 3:12 " Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you and evil, unbelieving heart..." v15 " do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked me" Because of hard hearts they did not believe God's Word. They did not trust Him to bring them into His Rest. So they never were allowed to enter. It was GOOD NEWS - entry was guaranteed! But they wouldn't believe. We also have GOOD NEWS - entry in to our REST, our SABBATH - eternal LIFE is guaranteed when we believe in JESUS. But if we harden our hearts and refuse to believe - we are in the same situation that Israel was in - shut out from the one place where we can find what we need the most - REST.
God sees our hearts and judges our intentions. We cannot hide what we are thinking and doing. HE knows everything about us, including our weaknesses and temptations. Heb. 4;15-16 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with us in those, for He was also tempted. Because of Him, we have Hope. For He has opened the way for us to come to God, to the Throne of GRACE, to receive mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. So like Jeremiah we can pray " Heal me and I will be healed, Save me and I will be saved For thou art my praise."
Jeremiah 17
verses 1-18 are a clear message to Judah - Blessing comes if you trust the Lord, curses come if you trust in mankind. They chose to trust in men and the curse came. They gave up their inheritance and clung to their idols. Those who forsake the Lord are put to shame. Those who look to Him are not.
Jeremiah prays a humble prayer " Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved; For thou art my praise" God is our only Hope! In every trial and problem. Trust in Him alone.
V. 19-27 It seems as if the Lord gives a lifeline to Judah in this message. One commandment - can they keep just ONE? A fairly easy one - Keep the Sabbath Day. Not to difficult, not a lot to ask?
Just stop doing business as usual on the Sabbath. Stop doing business and God will bless the whole city of Jerusalem and all the people of Judah. But, ignore this final offer and there will be devastation and loss. A fire will destroy Jerusalem.
Seems like a no brainer! But, they refused to listen. Destruction comes.
What would we do in this situation? Would we give up 1 day of business for the Lord? We used to do that in our country, but things have changed here too. Sunday has become a day of recreation instead of a day of rest. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus is our Rest, our Sabbath. Heb. 4: 9-10 "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who had entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. "
So, what does this mean? There is one requirement for salvation. Do this ONE thing and you will be saved. Enter into Jesus!
Jer. 17: 10 " I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." and compare Heb. 4: 12-13 " For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bared to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews lays out the consequences of disobedience , specifically unbelief. They did not enter His Rest. Heb. 3:12 " Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you and evil, unbelieving heart..." v15 " do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked me" Because of hard hearts they did not believe God's Word. They did not trust Him to bring them into His Rest. So they never were allowed to enter. It was GOOD NEWS - entry was guaranteed! But they wouldn't believe. We also have GOOD NEWS - entry in to our REST, our SABBATH - eternal LIFE is guaranteed when we believe in JESUS. But if we harden our hearts and refuse to believe - we are in the same situation that Israel was in - shut out from the one place where we can find what we need the most - REST.
God sees our hearts and judges our intentions. We cannot hide what we are thinking and doing. HE knows everything about us, including our weaknesses and temptations. Heb. 4;15-16 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with us in those, for He was also tempted. Because of Him, we have Hope. For He has opened the way for us to come to God, to the Throne of GRACE, to receive mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. So like Jeremiah we can pray " Heal me and I will be healed, Save me and I will be saved For thou art my praise."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Oct. 29,2012
Spent a week in the mountains of N. C. Beautiful views, crisp weather, and fellowship with my husband. Priceless! Thank You Father for safety, health, and refreshment.
Jeremiah 16
Jeremiah is told not to marry or have children. For all the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters will die and not even be mourned. A time of great sorrow is coming and God wants to spare Jeremiah from this pain and disaster. He is further told to not mourn with those who mourn or rejoice with those who rejoice. Because the people have forsaken God, not kept His law, not listened to His voice, or walked in His ways, He is removing them from the land.
But, God leaves Jeremiah with a promise. He will restore them to their land. There will come a time when His people will know His power and His might. They will know that He is the LORD!
LORD - Jehovah, Yahweh - the Self - existent One who reveals Himself; Righteous, Holy, and Loving.
Because of their sins, The LORD Who has revealed Himself to them, is now going to withdraw His peace, lovingkindness, and compassion. All the ways He has shown Himself to His people, He now is taking away. El Shaddai - The supplier of every need - is no longer their supplier. Jehovah Jirah, is no longer their provider, Jehovah Raphah is no longer their healer, Jehovah Nisse is no longer their Banner of victory. They have chosen to call another Master instead of their Adonai. All of Who He is will now be withdrawn from them.
What darkness! What sorrow!
But there will come a time when they will again call on His Name. They will know His power and His might! Lord Haste the day when faith will be sight!
Amen.
Spent a week in the mountains of N. C. Beautiful views, crisp weather, and fellowship with my husband. Priceless! Thank You Father for safety, health, and refreshment.
Jeremiah 16
Jeremiah is told not to marry or have children. For all the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters will die and not even be mourned. A time of great sorrow is coming and God wants to spare Jeremiah from this pain and disaster. He is further told to not mourn with those who mourn or rejoice with those who rejoice. Because the people have forsaken God, not kept His law, not listened to His voice, or walked in His ways, He is removing them from the land.
But, God leaves Jeremiah with a promise. He will restore them to their land. There will come a time when His people will know His power and His might. They will know that He is the LORD!
LORD - Jehovah, Yahweh - the Self - existent One who reveals Himself; Righteous, Holy, and Loving.
Because of their sins, The LORD Who has revealed Himself to them, is now going to withdraw His peace, lovingkindness, and compassion. All the ways He has shown Himself to His people, He now is taking away. El Shaddai - The supplier of every need - is no longer their supplier. Jehovah Jirah, is no longer their provider, Jehovah Raphah is no longer their healer, Jehovah Nisse is no longer their Banner of victory. They have chosen to call another Master instead of their Adonai. All of Who He is will now be withdrawn from them.
What darkness! What sorrow!
But there will come a time when they will again call on His Name. They will know His power and His might! Lord Haste the day when faith will be sight!
Amen.
Friday, October 19, 2012
10/19/12 Happy Birthday to me! The Lord has been good to me. You have blessed me with another birthday, a special day to remember that You formed me in my mother's womb. That You made me fearfully and wonderfully. That You have planned and lead me every day to the place that I am in right now, for Your purposes, to be the person I am, for Your glory! Thank You for all You have blessed me with Father! Thank You for a wonderful husband who dearly loves You and has shown me how to be a servant, how to be faithful, and how to be generous. Thank You for a beautiful daughter and her baby boys! What a blessing they are to me. They fill my heart with love and joy.
Thank You for giving me 3 bonus sons, with their families, to love and care for and fill my heart with joy in the good things and comfort through the tough times. Thank You for family, those who love and serve You, their encouragement and examples. Thank You for those who still are walking in darkness, for they bring me to You in the most earnest of prayers, open their eyes Lord, and let them see Jesus. Thank You for the church. That even in this most trying time, You are Lord and You are at work. That, like Jeremiah, I can plead my case before You and You hear it Lord. For You are just and You Love the Truth.
Jeremiah14- 15
The land is dried and cracking. There is no water in the wells. There are no crops in the fields. There is no grass or vegetation for the animals. The people cry out to God, but it is too late. He Who would have forgiven them, has now waited long enough, and it is too late. Death is coming - by famine, sword, or captivity.
The young girl's life is broken and dried up. Only 19, she has already seen what emptiness and darkness the things of this world can bring. There is no living water in her soul. No fruit of love, peace, or joy in her relationships. There is nothing to sustain life. But she refuses to call out to the Only One Who would listen and could help. Unless she will turn to Him, death will come. She will be old before she reaches 20. She will be worthless, hopeless, and sent away.
Oh may repentance be granted. May ears hear and eyes see the Lord! You alone are God. You alone can save us! Thank You for Grace. Your free unmerited favor in Christ Jesus. Thank You that in Jesus I can say along with Jeremiah " Thou Who knowest O Lord, Remember me, take notice of me."
" Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy Name. O Lord God of Hosts" Thank You for the promise to deliver and save those who call on You. I call on You. There is no other who has the Words of Life.
Amen.
Thank You for giving me 3 bonus sons, with their families, to love and care for and fill my heart with joy in the good things and comfort through the tough times. Thank You for family, those who love and serve You, their encouragement and examples. Thank You for those who still are walking in darkness, for they bring me to You in the most earnest of prayers, open their eyes Lord, and let them see Jesus. Thank You for the church. That even in this most trying time, You are Lord and You are at work. That, like Jeremiah, I can plead my case before You and You hear it Lord. For You are just and You Love the Truth.
Jeremiah14- 15
The land is dried and cracking. There is no water in the wells. There are no crops in the fields. There is no grass or vegetation for the animals. The people cry out to God, but it is too late. He Who would have forgiven them, has now waited long enough, and it is too late. Death is coming - by famine, sword, or captivity.
The young girl's life is broken and dried up. Only 19, she has already seen what emptiness and darkness the things of this world can bring. There is no living water in her soul. No fruit of love, peace, or joy in her relationships. There is nothing to sustain life. But she refuses to call out to the Only One Who would listen and could help. Unless she will turn to Him, death will come. She will be old before she reaches 20. She will be worthless, hopeless, and sent away.
Oh may repentance be granted. May ears hear and eyes see the Lord! You alone are God. You alone can save us! Thank You for Grace. Your free unmerited favor in Christ Jesus. Thank You that in Jesus I can say along with Jeremiah " Thou Who knowest O Lord, Remember me, take notice of me."
" Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy Name. O Lord God of Hosts" Thank You for the promise to deliver and save those who call on You. I call on You. There is no other who has the Words of Life.
Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Oct. 18, 2012
Jeremiah 13
God gives Jeremiah an unusual task. He was to buy a brand new belt ( waistband) and put it around his waist. Then he was to take it off and hide it in the ground in a crevice of a rock near the Euphrates river. After a while he was sent to go dig it up and of course it was ruined. Worthless.
This illustration was a description of Judah. For God made His people to cling to Him, even as the belt was made to cling to the waist of a man. But they were ruined and made worthless by their refusal to listen to His Word, walking in the stubbornness of their own hearts, and serving other gods.
They traded the privilege of being God's own people - renowned, praised, full of glory - for their own pride. They wanted to ignore the Word of God, do whatever they felt like, and trust in lies, falsehood, and what ever idol they chose. This resulted in them becoming worthless.
The people were so haughty and prideful that they refused to listen to the warnings even when they saw what had already happened to Israel. They refused to change for so long that now it was impossible - even as impossible as it is for a leopard to change his spots or an Ethiopian to change his skin ( v23) . They couldn't do good because they were so accustomed to doing evil. God compared his beloved people to wanton prostitutes. He wanted them to no longer hide their faces, but to be as ashamed as they should be.
As God's people we are also meant to cling to God firmly. To listen to Him, walk in His ways, and serve Him alone. Here is our worthiness and worth. He will bring us to renown, praise, and glory!
Any other course of life will bring devastation, punishment, shame. So many in our world today want to live like Judah and Israel did. They ignore the Bible, ignore God, do whatever they feel like and choose to believe lies. They are proud of themselves and their "rights" to believe whatever they want. And they are headed for disaster. They can see it happening to others around them, but they are so prideful that they can't believe it can happen to them.
I see that in the lives of my own family members. Like Jeremiah, it breaks my heart. (v 17) " But if you will not listen to it, my soul will sob in secret for such pride; and my eyes will bitterly weep and flow down with tears, because the flock of the Lord has been taken captive"
Oh God, have mercy on us. Bring repentance! Turn our hearts back to You. Thank you that Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! Jesus will you find my brothers, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and bring them into the Kingdom. Let Your Kingdom come into their lives today! I plead with You on their behalf.
And may it be so in Your mighty Name,
Amen
Jeremiah 13
God gives Jeremiah an unusual task. He was to buy a brand new belt ( waistband) and put it around his waist. Then he was to take it off and hide it in the ground in a crevice of a rock near the Euphrates river. After a while he was sent to go dig it up and of course it was ruined. Worthless.
This illustration was a description of Judah. For God made His people to cling to Him, even as the belt was made to cling to the waist of a man. But they were ruined and made worthless by their refusal to listen to His Word, walking in the stubbornness of their own hearts, and serving other gods.
They traded the privilege of being God's own people - renowned, praised, full of glory - for their own pride. They wanted to ignore the Word of God, do whatever they felt like, and trust in lies, falsehood, and what ever idol they chose. This resulted in them becoming worthless.
The people were so haughty and prideful that they refused to listen to the warnings even when they saw what had already happened to Israel. They refused to change for so long that now it was impossible - even as impossible as it is for a leopard to change his spots or an Ethiopian to change his skin ( v23) . They couldn't do good because they were so accustomed to doing evil. God compared his beloved people to wanton prostitutes. He wanted them to no longer hide their faces, but to be as ashamed as they should be.
As God's people we are also meant to cling to God firmly. To listen to Him, walk in His ways, and serve Him alone. Here is our worthiness and worth. He will bring us to renown, praise, and glory!
Any other course of life will bring devastation, punishment, shame. So many in our world today want to live like Judah and Israel did. They ignore the Bible, ignore God, do whatever they feel like and choose to believe lies. They are proud of themselves and their "rights" to believe whatever they want. And they are headed for disaster. They can see it happening to others around them, but they are so prideful that they can't believe it can happen to them.
I see that in the lives of my own family members. Like Jeremiah, it breaks my heart. (v 17) " But if you will not listen to it, my soul will sob in secret for such pride; and my eyes will bitterly weep and flow down with tears, because the flock of the Lord has been taken captive"
Oh God, have mercy on us. Bring repentance! Turn our hearts back to You. Thank you that Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! Jesus will you find my brothers, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and bring them into the Kingdom. Let Your Kingdom come into their lives today! I plead with You on their behalf.
And may it be so in Your mighty Name,
Amen
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Oct. 17, 2012
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah has been threatened, imprisoned, thrown in a well, and bashed about by even his own family, all because he speaks the Word of the Lord. He takes his case to the only one Who is just and can help him - the Lord God. " I will plead my case" " I will discuss matters of justice with Thee"
His case rests on the Lord Who knows hims, sees him, and examines his heart's attitude towards God.
The Lord is bringing judgement against Israel and Judah, but He still considers her "the beloved of My soul" Her actions have caused Him to "hate" her. Her wickedness is so awful that everything has become desolate -astonishingly devastated, destroyed, wasted. In an agrarian society, where everyone grows their own food, bare fields, harvests of thorns instead of wheat, and ruined vineyards, means complete devastation to the economy, the community, and the national security. Life does not just keep going on.
God is going to uproot them and send them into exile, but He will not leave them there forever. When they turn back to Him, learn His ways, and swear by His Name, not Baal's; then He will bring them back again. He will have compassion on them. But they must be willing to listen ( Hebrew shama - to hear intelligently, with full attention, carefully, diligently, with an attitude of obedience)
Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You are willing to hear my case and discuss justice with me. To show me Your Truth. You examine my heart and know me, you see me, and you have compassion on me. Thank You.
Lord, I see much in our society that is heading towards desolation. Our economy, our community, and our national security have all been devastated, yet not to the extent of Israel. May the nation of the United States of America look to You, repent, and turn from her wicked ways. May we turn back to You, learn Your ways, and swear by Your Name. We need You Lord God.
Bring revival. Save us.
Amen
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah has been threatened, imprisoned, thrown in a well, and bashed about by even his own family, all because he speaks the Word of the Lord. He takes his case to the only one Who is just and can help him - the Lord God. " I will plead my case" " I will discuss matters of justice with Thee"
His case rests on the Lord Who knows hims, sees him, and examines his heart's attitude towards God.
The Lord is bringing judgement against Israel and Judah, but He still considers her "the beloved of My soul" Her actions have caused Him to "hate" her. Her wickedness is so awful that everything has become desolate -astonishingly devastated, destroyed, wasted. In an agrarian society, where everyone grows their own food, bare fields, harvests of thorns instead of wheat, and ruined vineyards, means complete devastation to the economy, the community, and the national security. Life does not just keep going on.
God is going to uproot them and send them into exile, but He will not leave them there forever. When they turn back to Him, learn His ways, and swear by His Name, not Baal's; then He will bring them back again. He will have compassion on them. But they must be willing to listen ( Hebrew shama - to hear intelligently, with full attention, carefully, diligently, with an attitude of obedience)
Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You are willing to hear my case and discuss justice with me. To show me Your Truth. You examine my heart and know me, you see me, and you have compassion on me. Thank You.
Lord, I see much in our society that is heading towards desolation. Our economy, our community, and our national security have all been devastated, yet not to the extent of Israel. May the nation of the United States of America look to You, repent, and turn from her wicked ways. May we turn back to You, learn Your ways, and swear by Your Name. We need You Lord God.
Bring revival. Save us.
Amen
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Oct. 16, 2012
Jeremiah 11
Once again God speaks to Jeremiah and clearly sets out the case against Israel and Judah. There was a covenant (agreement) between Israel and God. He delivered them from Egypt and they promised to listen and do what He said. If they obeyed His commands, all would go well and they would be blessed in the land He brought them to. But if they did not obey they would be cursed. Again and again they were warned of the consequences of disobedience. But they would not listen and would not obey. They broke their promises to God, with stubborn and wicked hearts they turned to idols. They offered incense and sacrifices to Baal. What an insult to God! What an awful grievance to turn from the True Living God who had delivered them from slavery and given them a beautiful and fruitful land; to turn to a false god, to give themselves to worthless, empty, superstition and demonic idols.
Therefore, God will keep His word. What He said He would do, He does. He had planted them to be a beautiful olive tree, but now he was cutting it down and throwing the branches into the fire. It was worthless.
After Jeremiah speaks these words he is threatened by those who didn't want to hear that they were wrong. They didn't want to hear from the Lord. So they thought they would kill Jeremiah and that would stop the disaster from coming. But, God judges righteously. And Jeremiah is spared while the men of Anathoth are wiped out.
v20 " But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, Who tries the feelings and the heart, Let me see Thy vengeance on them, For to Thee have I committed my cause."
Father, Lord of hosts, I want to echo these words of your servant Jeremiah. To Thee I have committed my cause. Committed - revealed, bring, carry, disclose, plainly, uncover, tell, shamelessly show - my cause - contest, personal or legal, contention, strife, controversy. Vengeance is in Your hands. You judge righteously. You know the feelings and the heart of all involved. We want to walk in obedience to Your Word. To live for You, to listen to You. Keep us in righteousness. Then, You deal with those who would threaten and devise plots against us. Let us see Your vengeance, just and righteous on them.
Thank you for Your Grace and mercy. Oh Wise God, I'm so glad to know that You are able to bring good out of even the evil that others have devised. Bring good even now.
In Jesus' Name I pray.
Amen
Jeremiah 11
Once again God speaks to Jeremiah and clearly sets out the case against Israel and Judah. There was a covenant (agreement) between Israel and God. He delivered them from Egypt and they promised to listen and do what He said. If they obeyed His commands, all would go well and they would be blessed in the land He brought them to. But if they did not obey they would be cursed. Again and again they were warned of the consequences of disobedience. But they would not listen and would not obey. They broke their promises to God, with stubborn and wicked hearts they turned to idols. They offered incense and sacrifices to Baal. What an insult to God! What an awful grievance to turn from the True Living God who had delivered them from slavery and given them a beautiful and fruitful land; to turn to a false god, to give themselves to worthless, empty, superstition and demonic idols.
Therefore, God will keep His word. What He said He would do, He does. He had planted them to be a beautiful olive tree, but now he was cutting it down and throwing the branches into the fire. It was worthless.
After Jeremiah speaks these words he is threatened by those who didn't want to hear that they were wrong. They didn't want to hear from the Lord. So they thought they would kill Jeremiah and that would stop the disaster from coming. But, God judges righteously. And Jeremiah is spared while the men of Anathoth are wiped out.
v20 " But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, Who tries the feelings and the heart, Let me see Thy vengeance on them, For to Thee have I committed my cause."
Father, Lord of hosts, I want to echo these words of your servant Jeremiah. To Thee I have committed my cause. Committed - revealed, bring, carry, disclose, plainly, uncover, tell, shamelessly show - my cause - contest, personal or legal, contention, strife, controversy. Vengeance is in Your hands. You judge righteously. You know the feelings and the heart of all involved. We want to walk in obedience to Your Word. To live for You, to listen to You. Keep us in righteousness. Then, You deal with those who would threaten and devise plots against us. Let us see Your vengeance, just and righteous on them.
Thank you for Your Grace and mercy. Oh Wise God, I'm so glad to know that You are able to bring good out of even the evil that others have devised. Bring good even now.
In Jesus' Name I pray.
Amen
Monday, October 15, 2012
Journal Aug. 8, 2012
Isaiah 13
Every nation belongs to God. Their armies are His instruments. He even calls them “My consecrated ones” and “My mighty “. They are His “instruments of indignation”
And God is mustering them for battle against the people that He has called His own... Israel. ( Back in Isaiah's time, but now? Could it be the US? )
For destruction. God’s anger is coming. And His anger is to be feared, so much that we should wail!
All hands will fall limp.
Men’s hearts will melt.
They All will be terrified.
Pain and anguish will take hold.
Pain, so awful it will astonish them and consume them.
It will be called cruel, with fury and burning anger
The land will be desolated.
Sinners will be exterminated.
Stars will be dark.
The sun will be dark.
The moon will be dark.
“Thus will I punish the world for its evil. And the wicked for their iniquity.
I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud”
the heavens will tremble, the earth will shake.
People will run to hide. They will see their children die in front of their eyes. Their houses plundered and their wives ravished.
One cannot imagine such horror. We cannot understand a God who would allow it, a God who is called “Love”. So we deny it. We deny Him. We ignore these warnings, arrogant in our unbelief. This is what hardens our hearts. This is exactly what brings the judgements upon us. We do not fear God and do not believe that He is Who He says He is. “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD Almighty” Sin will be the death of us... literally, spiritually and physically.
Yet He does not leave us without hope. For the Wrath of God is described elsewhere as a CUP.. to be drank, to be swallowed. And Jesus Christ took that Cup and drank it all! He took God’s wrath against arrogant, sinful, wicked mankind. And He became the scapegoat, the sin bearer, for us. And God poured out His anger on His Son, to provide a rescue for us. A Ransom for sinners. A rescue from Heaven.
Oh the Love of Jesus, to take our cross, our sin , our shame. This is the Gospel, the Good News. Only Believe. Turn to Jesus and accept His sacrifice for your self.
It is our only Hope.
For judgement is coming. The Holy God who hates sin, sees ours. He will not let us continue to lie, kill, and destroy each other. He will not allow evil to be called good and good to be called evil. He is HOLY!
Run to Jesus and be saved from the wrath of God. It is the only way.
Isaiah 13
Every nation belongs to God. Their armies are His instruments. He even calls them “My consecrated ones” and “My mighty “. They are His “instruments of indignation”
And God is mustering them for battle against the people that He has called His own... Israel. ( Back in Isaiah's time, but now? Could it be the US? )
For destruction. God’s anger is coming. And His anger is to be feared, so much that we should wail!
All hands will fall limp.
Men’s hearts will melt.
They All will be terrified.
Pain and anguish will take hold.
Pain, so awful it will astonish them and consume them.
It will be called cruel, with fury and burning anger
The land will be desolated.
Sinners will be exterminated.
Stars will be dark.
The sun will be dark.
The moon will be dark.
“Thus will I punish the world for its evil. And the wicked for their iniquity.
I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud”
the heavens will tremble, the earth will shake.
People will run to hide. They will see their children die in front of their eyes. Their houses plundered and their wives ravished.
One cannot imagine such horror. We cannot understand a God who would allow it, a God who is called “Love”. So we deny it. We deny Him. We ignore these warnings, arrogant in our unbelief. This is what hardens our hearts. This is exactly what brings the judgements upon us. We do not fear God and do not believe that He is Who He says He is. “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD Almighty” Sin will be the death of us... literally, spiritually and physically.
Yet He does not leave us without hope. For the Wrath of God is described elsewhere as a CUP.. to be drank, to be swallowed. And Jesus Christ took that Cup and drank it all! He took God’s wrath against arrogant, sinful, wicked mankind. And He became the scapegoat, the sin bearer, for us. And God poured out His anger on His Son, to provide a rescue for us. A Ransom for sinners. A rescue from Heaven.
Oh the Love of Jesus, to take our cross, our sin , our shame. This is the Gospel, the Good News. Only Believe. Turn to Jesus and accept His sacrifice for your self.
It is our only Hope.
For judgement is coming. The Holy God who hates sin, sees ours. He will not let us continue to lie, kill, and destroy each other. He will not allow evil to be called good and good to be called evil. He is HOLY!
Run to Jesus and be saved from the wrath of God. It is the only way.
Oct. 15, 2012
Jeremiah 10
Every idol, every false notion of a god, every hope that is not based on the One True God, is a delusion, a lie, vanity, meaningless, empty. It makes us "stupid and foolish" to trust in anything that is made by human hands. We may not carve it out of wood or mold it from gold or silver, but it is still an idol if we put it before the LORD of heaven and earth.
There is none like the Lord! He is great. His Name is mighty! He is the True God. The living God.
The everlasting King. He can shake the earth because He was the One who made it. "It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens" His voice controls rain, clouds, lightning, and wind. He is the Maker of everything.
In light of this Truth, to trust in a piece of wood or stone is stupid! If we have not sought the Lord we are under His wrath and we will not be able to endure it. Our response needs to be as Jeremiah's was:
" I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Thine anger, lest You bring me to nothing."
Have mercy on us, O God of hosts! Creator of Heaven and earth, You alone are God.
Do we put our lives, our hearts, our families in His Hands? Or do we trust in the man made things - houses, jobs, governments, bank accounts? It is a delusion to trust in anything or anyone to save us. We cannot save ourselves. God and God alone is our Maker. There is NONE like HIM!
Jeremiah 10
Every idol, every false notion of a god, every hope that is not based on the One True God, is a delusion, a lie, vanity, meaningless, empty. It makes us "stupid and foolish" to trust in anything that is made by human hands. We may not carve it out of wood or mold it from gold or silver, but it is still an idol if we put it before the LORD of heaven and earth.
There is none like the Lord! He is great. His Name is mighty! He is the True God. The living God.
The everlasting King. He can shake the earth because He was the One who made it. "It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens" His voice controls rain, clouds, lightning, and wind. He is the Maker of everything.
In light of this Truth, to trust in a piece of wood or stone is stupid! If we have not sought the Lord we are under His wrath and we will not be able to endure it. Our response needs to be as Jeremiah's was:
" I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Thine anger, lest You bring me to nothing."
Have mercy on us, O God of hosts! Creator of Heaven and earth, You alone are God.
Do we put our lives, our hearts, our families in His Hands? Or do we trust in the man made things - houses, jobs, governments, bank accounts? It is a delusion to trust in anything or anyone to save us. We cannot save ourselves. God and God alone is our Maker. There is NONE like HIM!
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