Judgment and mercy

Today's Readings:  Ezekiel 5:1-17, 6:1-14, 7:1-27, 8:1-18, 9:1-11

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But I will let a few of my people escape destruction, and they will be scattered among the nations of the world.  Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember me." Ezekiel 6:8-9a

This was the message from the Lord after he had told Ezekiel to proclaim how the Lord would destroy the mountains and peoples of Israel.  The Lord told, in graphic detail, how the people would be destroyed alongside their idols.  Even in all the destruction, though, the Lord shows mercy.  There would be those spared who escaped and scattered.  But, even with the mercy comes discipline.  Those exiled would always remember the wrath of the Lord because of their unfaithfulness.

My response to God: You are a mighty God.  Help me Lord to always respect your power and might.  Thank you for your faithfulness to me and give me the strength to be ever faithful to you.  Help me to learn from those who came before me.  Lead me away from their wicked ways and closer to you.

Let it shine

Today's Readings: Ezekiel 3:16-27, 4:1-17; Jeremiah 27:1-22, 28:1-17, 51:59-64

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"If I warn the wicked, saying, You are under the penalty of death, but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins.  But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.  If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die.  And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins.  None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths.  But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too." Ezekiel 3:18-21

Ouch.  This was the message given from the Lord to Ezekiel upon appointing him as a watchman for Israel.  The Lord told him to pass along to the people all warnings given to him.  When I first read this, I realized that I need to be more like Ezekiel.  If I do not share with other of Christ's love, then they may die in their sins because of my failure.  It is not all about me and my relationship with Christ, but also how I share that with my family, my friends, my acquaintances and anyone else I have the opportunity to share it with.  I am not supposed to hide it under a bushel, but let it shine.

My response to God: Oh, God in Heaven, give me the energy and desire to let your love shine out through my living.  Remind me that it is all about you, Lord.

Are you overwhelmed?

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 37:11-21, 38:1-28; Ezekiel 1:1-28, 2:1-10, 3:1-15

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"'But, I am afraid to surrender,' the king said, 'for the Babylonians may hand me over to the Judeans who have defected to them. And who knows what they will do to me!' Jeremiah replied, 'You won't be handed over to them if you choose to obey the Lord. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you.'" Jeremiah 38:19-20

If you choose to obey the Lord.  Yes, I know that is not a complete sentence, but it is a completely perfect thought.  It is a bold and direct.  In King Zedekiah's case, his life would be spared 'if he chose to obey the Lord'.  I think this is a phrase each and every one of us can use to help us make everyday decisions in our lives.  If you choose to obey the Lord, what will happen in your life?

"The Spirit lifted me up and took me away. I went in bitterness and turmoil, but the Lord's hold on me was strong.  Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles in Tel-abib, beside the Kebar River.  I was overwhelmed and sat among them for seven days." Ezekiel 3:14-15
Do you ever have those days where you are just so overwhelmed that you feel like you could just sit for seven days?  I know I have those days.  In fact, I am having one today, although I am sure it is not anything like the overwhelming feeling had by Ezekiel.  But, we all can learn from this passage that the Spirit can be with us, too, to help us through the turmoils and bitterness that comes our way.

My response to God:  Lord, show me the wonderful things that can happen in my life if I just choose to obey you.  Make it irresistible to me.  Help me to see those things that will draw me to you even in bitterness and turmoil of the day.  Let your Spirit lift me up and keep your hold strong on me to get me through what seems to me to be overwhelming.

A call for prayer

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 37:1-10, 51:15-58, 52:1-3a; 2 Kings 24:10-20a; 1 Chronicles 3:10-16; 2 Chronicles 36:10-14

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But neither King Zedekiah not his attendants nor the people who were left in the land listened to what the Lord said through Jeremiah.  Nevertheless, King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the priest, son of Maaseiah, to ask Jeremiah, 'Please pray to the Lord our God for us.'"  Jeremiah 37:2-3

"For the Lord is a God who gives just punishment; he always repays in full." Jeremiah 51:56b

It is amazing to me how bold people can be.  Jeremiah has spent all of this time telling the people how they are brazenly disobeying the Lord, yet when they feel the need they come right out and ask him to pray to the same Lord on their behalf.  In this particular instance, the Lord responded by telling Jeremiah to tell the King of Judah (Zedekiah) that the Babylonians will be coming back to destroy the city.

My response to God: Lord, help me to not be like the people of Judah who only go to you when they need your protection.  Draw me to you through your Word and through your Holy Spirit.  Let me never stray away from your presence.  Remind me daily to show my love for you by loving those around me.

A new covenant

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 31:15-40, 49:34-39, 50:1-46, 51:1-14

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?" says the Lord. "I often have to punish him, but I still love him. That's why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him." Jeremiah 31:20

"'The day is coming,' says the Lord,'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,' says the Lord. 'But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, 'You should know the Lord.' For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will now me already.' says the Lord. 'And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.'" Jeremiah 31:31-34

What a glorious day it will be when everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know the Lord already.  The day of the new covenant is coming.  May we all be ready to be a part of it.

My response to God: Glorious God, I ask you to forgive my wickedness and never again remember my sins.  Prepare me for your return.  Make my heart yearn for you.

Work for peace

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 23:33-40, 24:1-10, 29:1-32, 30:1-24, 31:1-14

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 'Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.  Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.'" Jeremiah 29:4-7

"But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:10b-11

"You will be my people, and I will be your God." Jeremiah 30:22

This was from the letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, and prophets, and all the people how had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.  This was done following Jeremiah's vision from the Lord about the good and the bad figs.   The good figs represented those who had been exiled to Babylon.  This letter to the exiles was to encourage them and let them know that the Lord would be caring for them and how the Lord wanted them to live their lives while in exile.  I think this encouragement is applicable to us today: make the most of our lives where we are, work for peace and prosperity, and listen to the Lord and his guidance until he comes back for us.

My response to God:  I thank you, Heavenly Father, for your faithfulness to me -- just like you were faithful to those exiled to Babylon.  Please keep me in constant remembrance of my purpose here on earth and how you want me to live my life until your return.  Guide me to 'work for peace' where you have put me. 

False prophets

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 22:24-30, 23:1-32, 49:1-33; 2 Kings 24:5-9

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them.  I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number.  Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again.  Not a single on will be lost or missing. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 23:3-4

"Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes.  They are making up everything they say.  They do not speak of the Lord! They keep saying to those who despise my word, 'Don't worry! The Lord says you will have peace!' And to those who stubbornly follow their own desires, they say, 'No harm will come your way!'"  Jeremiah 23:16-17

"I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, 'This prophecy is from the Lord!' I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin.  I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people.  I, the Lord have spoken!"  Jeremiah 23:31-32

This could be today, with all the churches that are teaching that the Lord just wants us to be happy.  Yes, he wants us to be a joyful people, but he wants that joy to come from him.  In order to receive that joy and peace, we must walk on the path with the Lord.  

My response to God:  Guide me down the path toward you, Lord.  Help me to recognize the 'smooth-tongued' false prophets of today so that I can steer clear of their path.

No other gods

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 16:1-21, 17:1-27, 18:1-23, 25:1-19

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"When you tell the people all these things, they will ask, 'Why has the Lord decreed such terrible things against us? What have we done to deserve such treatment? What is our sin against the Lord our God?' Then you will give them the Lord's reply: 'It is because your ancestors were unfaithful to me. They worshiped other gods and served them. They abandoned me and did not obey my word. And you are even worse than your ancestors!"  Jeremiah 16:10-12a

The scripture today was hard to read.  It is so sad to hear how truly hurt God was by his people.  At one point, he said "my anger blazes like a fire that will burn forever".  That is harsh.  But, we have to realize that it had taken a long time to reach this point.  God had given them second chances and even more chances to repent and obey him.  But, they still refused.  I am torn in my feelings towards Jeremiah, too.  Part of me looks at him as such a blessed man since the Lord spoke to him and used him to prophesy.  The other part of me feels so sorry for him because of what he has to go through in telling the people what God has said.  How would I have handled this is I were in Jeremiah's shoes?

My response to God: Heavenly Father, speak to my heart and let me hear you like Jeremiah did.  Let me be your follower who listens and obeys.  Forgive me, Lord, for all the things I have made like other gods in my life.  Keep your holy spirit within me to guide me away from all of those things.

Compassionate God

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 12:1-17, 13:1-27, 14:1-22, 15:1-21

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"And if these nations truly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying 'As surely as the Lord lives' (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people." Jeremiah 12:16

This was a message for Israel's neighbors assuring them of God's compassion.  If these nations are willing to turn to the one true God, they will become adopted members of the family of God.  Again, God shows that he loves us all and wants us all to be his children.

"I will take care of you, Jeremiah." Jeremiah 15:11a

"Lord, you know what's happening to me.  Please step in and help me." Jeremiah 15:15a

"If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me." Jeremiah 15:19a

"You must influence them; do not let them influence you!" Jeremiah 15:19b

"Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands." Jeremiah 15:21

I love this conversation between Jeremiah and the Lord.  It starts out as a complaint to God because of the attacks being made on him by his enemies.  First God responds saying that he will care for Jeremiah, but Jeremiah does not seem to hear it because he comes right back with  his request for God to 'step in and help'.  God continues with more instructions for Jeremiah in how he is to deal with the people.  Finally, he makes his final statement again assuring Jeremiah that he will take care of him.

My response to God: God, thank you for giving us all the opportunity to choose you.  You are a loving, forgiving, and compassionate God.  Please, Lord, be patient with me when I am like Jeremiah and continue to not hear your answers to my prayers.

Truly knowing the Lord

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 8:4-22, 9:1-26, 10:1-25, 11:1-23

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"This is what the Lord says: 'Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.  I, the Lord, have spoken!'"  Jeremiah 9:23-24

This little nugget of hope is sandwiched neatly between the Lord's warnings, judgment and talk of destruction.  Here, again, the Lord gives the people one more chance to turn from their wicked ways and towards him and his unfailing love.  

"I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.  We are not able to plan our own course.  So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle." Jeremiah 10:23-24

This is from Jeremiah's personal prayer to the Lord.  In his own way, he is the one who seems to 'get it'.  The one man who is probably the closest to God at the time is the only one who is honest about his humanity and unrighteousness.  He knows the wrath that God has, and he is specifically asking God to hold his wrath for those who are not acknowledging him.

"O Lord of Heaven's Armies, you make righteous judgements, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets.  Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you." Jeremiah 11:20

Once again, Jeremiah is speaking to the Lord at this point.  This is his plea in response to the plots being made against him by his enemies who do not like the messages he is relaying.  He is giving it all over to God.

My response to God:  Lord, I want to be able to boast that I know you and that you love me and delight in me.  Help me, Lord, when I stumble and please be gentle with me in your discipline. 

Mercy and love

Today's Readings: Daniel 2:1-49, 3:1-30; Jeremiah 7:1-34, 8:1-3

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.  He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."  Daniel 3:17

"Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon." Daniel 3:30

King Nebuchadnezzar was especially furious with these young men of Judah because he had promoted them to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon.  He probably took offense because he felt he had given them special favor and they 'rebelled' in return.  However, he had the opportunity...no, blessing, to see for himself how the living God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego protected them in the fiery furnace.  He must have had some sense, because he immediately began to Praise God and decreed in favor of the Lord.

"But don't be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord's Temple is here.  They chant, 'The Lord's Temple is here! The Lord's Temple is here!' But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols.  Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave your ancestors to keep forever."  Jeremiah 7:4-7

"Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, 'We are safe!' -- only to go right back to all those evils again?"  Jeremiah 7:9-10

These verses should make it clear to anyone that God wants more from us than just showing up for church on Sunday morning.  We must do more than just be in close proximity to a place where worship is occurring.  We must be part of that worship.  

My response to God: Heavenly Father, help me not to need the miracle that King Nebuchadnezzar needed in order to worship you.  Grow my faith.  Teach me mercy. Make my heart open to all.  All praises go to you, Lord.

Going in the right direction

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 19:1-15, 20:1-18; Daniel 1:1-21

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But if I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my hear like a fire.  It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!" Jeremiah 20:9

"But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior." Jeremiah 20:11a

Jeremiah seemed so conflicted.  First he complains to the Lord, then he turns around and cries out that he cannot help but speak the word of the Lord out loud.  But, in the end, he stands strong knowing that God will never leave him or forsake him and will always be by his side.

"But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.  He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods." Daniel 1:8

Daniel had such strength and that strength came from God.  Even as he was practically enslaved by King Nebuchadnezzar, he was determined not to be defiled.  What is interesting is his way of going about that.  He did not just stand up and protest, but he went through the 'appropriate channels' and made an official request and get proper permission.  It kind of reminds me of the old adage that says 'you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar'.  I think we can learn from this that common courtesy can go a long way.  But, more so, we can learn from Daniel that we, too, should be working to keep ourselves righteous in this very unrighteous world.

My response to God: Lord, thank you for giving me the peace of knowing you will always be by my side, just like you were with Jeremiah.  Make your word like a fire in my bones that I just cannot hold inside, but must shout it out to the world. Help me to recognize the areas in my life that lead me away from righteousness so that I can stay turned toward you.

The path to peace

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 25:15-38, 36:1-32, 45:1-5, 46:1-28

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Perhaps the people of Judah will repents when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them.  Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings." Jeremiah 36:3

"Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard." Jeremiah 36:24

"I will hand them over to those who want them killed -- to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his army.  But afterward the land will recover from the ravages of war. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 46:26

"'But do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile.  Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them.  Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, for I am with you,' says the Lord. 'I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished.'" Jeremiah 46:27-28

Even though these scriptures vividly show the anger of the Lord, they also show his compassion.  Over and over again, he follows his plans of destruction with his willingness to forgive.  Of course, the forgiveness comes with a cost that is hard to come by -- repentance.  The last paragraph shows how the Lord explains his justice as discipline.  He also specifically tells them how he will return them to a life of peace and quiet...but, they must repent.

My response to God:  Dear Lord, help me to see the peace and quiet in my life that can only come from you and from my obedience to you.  Guide me in my path of repentance.  Be the bright light that keeps me on that straight and narrow road that leads me to you.

Listening

Today's Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2 Kings 23:36-37, 24:1-4; Jeremiah 22:1-23, 25:1-14, 26:1-24

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"He (Jehoahaz) did what was evil in the Lord's sight, just as his ancestors had done." 2 Kings 23:32

"Perhaps they will listen and turn from their evil ways.  Then I will change my mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out on them because of their sins."  Jeremiah 26:3

Generation after generation, the people of Jerusalem continued in their disobedience.  Rarely, one generation would get it right, like Josiah, but sadly one generation later it all began again.  The Lord gave Jeremiah messages for the kings of Judah, messages they were not happy at all to receive.  God wanted to give the people one more opportunity to change their ways and sent Jeremiah to the Temple to share his message with the people.  They were so upset with what he said that they tried to kill him.  They did not kill him, but they also did not heed his words.  In the end, this led to the end of the kings of Judah and the beginning of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon's reign over them.  

My response to God:  Help me, Lord, to listen for your word from your messengers here on earth.  Let me not only hear them, but use what they have to say to make a positive difference in how I am serving you.  

His presence

Today's Readings: Zephaniah 2:8-15, 3:1-20; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30; Jeremiah 47:1-7, 48:1-47

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"But the Lord is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day he hands down justice, and he does not fail.  But the wicked know no shame." Zephaniah 3:5

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With his love, he will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."  Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah prophesies about the rebellion and redemption of Jerusalem in these chapters.  Most of the writings tell of the judgement that will be given by the Lord to all of those who have been so disobedient to him.  However, the thing that stood out to me were these two verses.  They say that the Lord is still there with the people, living among them, even in their disobedience and rebellion.  Even in his promises of destruction and judgement, the Lord does not give up on his people.  He is still there, making himself available to the remnant who will trust in his name.

  
My response to God:  Dear Lord, thank you for not giving up on me, just as you did not give up on your faithful people in Jerusalem.  Make me lowly and humble, for they are the ones who trust in the name of the Lord.

Rejoice in all things

Today's Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-17, 2:1-20, 3:1-19

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post.  There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint." Habakkuk 2:1

I think this means that we should wait patiently, and specifically, looking for answers from the Lord when we ask him something.

"What sorrow awaits you who build big houses with money gained dishonestly!" Habakkuk 2:9

I guess with the mortgage issues of the current day and the government bail out, I am reading this from a little different perspective than I probably would have otherwise.  Not that I believe everyone who is affected gained the 'money' (i.e. mortgage) dishonestly, but it just makes me think about it a little differently.  

 

"But the Lord is in his holy Temple.  Let all the earth be silent before him." Habakkuk 2:20

I included this because it has been one of my favorite verses for awhile.  I remember when I first returned to church as an adult and joined the choir when we lived in Virginia.  Every Sunday morning, we opened the service with an a Capella version of this verse.  

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." Habakkuk 3:19
This kind of ties in with what I brought up above regarding the economy and the mortgage situation.  There are so many people really worried about the economy, mainly because they have no control over the outcome.  I think this verse says it all.  In all things, whether your fields are barren, your flocks are dying, or you lose your home because of making a poor decision, you must rejoice in the Lord.  Rejoice in the Lord always!

My response to God: My God, my rock, my salvation...help me Lord to not worry about the things going on around me, but to worship and praise you in everything.  Give me patience to wait for your answers and be wise enough to understand that, even when they are not the answer I am looking for, your answer is always the right answer.

Reform

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 23:1-26; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33, 35:1-19; Nahum 1:1-15, 2:1-13, 3:1-19

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"And the king went up to the Temple of the Lord with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the prophets -- all the people from the least to the greatest.  There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord's Temple.  The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence.  He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul." 2 Kings 23:2-3a

King Josiah not only restored the Temple of the Lord, but he  made major reforms in the religious life of the people.  After he read the Book of the Covenant, he began making assignments to the priests to complete the cleansing of the Temple and other areas by destroying all the artifacts that remained from the time of idolatry.  He made the pledge, in front of all of the people, to obey the Lord with all his heart and soul.  One part that stood out to me was that it was all the people  from the least to the greatest.  King Josiah gave them all the opportunity to hear the commands of the Lord.

My response to God: Father, help me to be like King Josiah.  Help me to recognize when I see wrong going on around me and to step up to the plate and make the changes necessary to be obedient to you.  

Grace

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 5:20-31, 6:1-30; 2 Kings 22:3-20; 2 Chronicles 34:8-28

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the Lord and tell him: 'This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people -- that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.  So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace.  You will not see the disaster aI am going to bring on this city.'"  So they took her message back to the king." 2 Kings 22:18-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:26-28

During the restoration of the Temple, the high priest found The Book of the Law in the temple.  When it was read, King Josiah learned of the disobedience of his ancestors and that they had not been doing everything that was required by the book written by Moses.  He immediately tore his clothes in despair and sought after guidance from the prophet Huldah in Jerusalem.  Above was her response to him.  

This portion of the reading was prefaced by the Jeremiah verses, which described the rebellion of the people, their multiple warnings, continued rejection of the Lord's way, and warning of invasion and destruction that would come because of those decisions.  But, now we see that because of King Josiah's repentance and desire to make the necessary changes to follow what was written in the Book of the Law, the Lord gave him a second chance.  The disaster would not take place until after his death.

My response to God: Dear God, I give praises to you and am in awe of your mighty power.  Thank you for your grace and forgiveness.  Help me to stay in your will and keep myself open to your messages through your Word.  

Repentance

Today's Readings: Jeremiah 2:23-37, 3:1-25, 4:1-31, 5:1-19

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"And yet you say, 'I have done nothing wrong. Surely God isn't angry with me!' But now I will punish you severely because you claim you have not sinned." Jeremiah 2:35

"But despise all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 3:10

"They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent." Jeremiah 5:3b

"'Yet even in those days I will not blot you out completely,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 5:18

Still, thousands of years after the Lord spoke through Jeremiah to the people of Judah and Israel, it is still the same.  We claim we do not sin.  So many times, when we do admit our sins, we only pretend to be sorry; but, most of the time we refuse to repent.  But, God loves us so much, and desires to be a part of our lives so much that he does not give up on us.

"Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God"

"Confess that you refused to listen to my voice"

"Return home, you wayward children"

excerpts from Jeremiah 3:13-14

God gave Jeremiah the words that give us hope, just as they gave the hope to a wayward Israel.  He told them, and he tells us today, exactly what we must do in order to come home again to our merciful God: Admit and confess our sins and return to him.  It is so simple, yet we make it so difficult.

My response to God: Loving and merciful God, I wonder over and over why you have not given up on me.  Show me when I am wrong and am too stubborn to see it for myself.  Lead me to my knees, to that place where I see in myself what you see, and where I confess, repent, and return to you.  Thank you for your forgiveness...over and over again.  

Living water

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 21:1-26, 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 33:1-25, 34:1-7; Jeremiah 1:1-19, 2:1-22

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings.  So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner.  They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.  But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request.  So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.  Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!" 2 Chronicles 33:10-13

How sad it must have been for God to see his people and their leaders, their kings that he had put in place, turn away from him.  Time after time, the Kings would do evil in the Lord's sight, building pagan shrines and the asherah poles and worshiping idols.  It must have been a joy for the Lord when Manasseh's father, King Hezekiah, finally destroyed the pagan shrines that had been constructed to worship Baal.  But, again, upon King Hezekiah's death, his son, Manasseh went back to the old ways and rebuilt the altars and shrines, even in the Temple of the Lord.  Through the prophets, the Lord continued to warn the people.  Finally, now, Manasseh finally turns and admits that he needs God.  Here God shows the grace that would later be available to all through his son, Jesus.  How much love must he have for us all to be there when we call on him, even after we ignore him and put other things before him in our lives.  

"For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me -- the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!" Jeremiah 2:13

How stupid can we be?  We are so much like the people of Israel.  Here the Lord was, the living water that is necessary for their eternal life and instead, they ignore it and try to survive with useless, broken, empty fake gods.  How many times do we do the same thing, but put ourselves and our own sinful desires in the place of the cisterns.

My response to God: All praises go to you, my God and my protector.  Open my eyes to recognize when I start leaning toward a broken cistern in my life.  Guide me away from it and back to take a drink of the living water that only comes from you.  

Letting go and letting God

Today's Readings: Isaiah 63:15-64:12, 65:1-66:24; 2 Kings 20:20-21

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path? Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you?" Isaiah 63:17a

"Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind." Isaiah 64:6b

"After all this, Lord, must you still refuse to help us? Will you continue to be silent and punish us?" Isaiah 64:12

People today are so like this, looking for someone else to blame for their mistakes.  Just like the people of Israel, we find ourselves blaming God for letting us have the free will to make decisions for our life.  Of course, this usually only happens when we begin to receive the consequences of our actions.

"The Lord says, "I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.  I said, 'Here I am, here I am!' to a nation that did not call on my name." Isaiah 65:1

God is always here for us, just waiting for us to call upon him.  But, in order for us to call upon him, we must admit to ourselves that he is God and we are not.  We must let go of the need to be in control of our lives and give ourselves totally over to God.  We must search him out and look for him and call upon him to not only be a part of our lives, but be the purpose for our lives.

 
My response to God: O God, forgive me for my pride and desires to hold on to the control of my life, even when there is no chance that I would ever have control.  Help me to see that I am responsible for my actions and deserve the consequences that fall upon me because of those actions.  Thank you for always being here for me when I finally realize that I can only make it when you are in control.  Thank you for your forgiveness when my pride rears is ugly head.