No Sacrifice is Too Great

O. T. #1746  "No Sacrifice is Too Great"
July 31, 2020
Jeremiah 9

LET IT GLOW

When the Lord called us into the ministry, we had to move off to college and seminary away from family, friends, and home church, our house and dream car, in order to be obedient. At the time, it was the hardest thing we had to do, but now we would not trade those experiences we had for anything. God gave us new churches, friends, and families. Now, years later, we don't consider it a price to pay to be obedient. The blessings have far outnumbered the sacrifices.

We might feel sorry for Jeremiah who became the weeping prophet for God. He lived in turbulent and agonizing times during the spiritual and moral decay of his society. He had to deliver messages of fierce judgment that his people were facing. Jeremiah was willing to do God's will, although it came at a high cost to him-sacrificed freedom, forfeited family and reputation, endured misunderstanding, ridicule, persecution, imprisonment, and mockings. In spite of it all, Jeremiah remained faithfully obeying his God, no matter the cost and adjustments he had to make.

Are we willing to sacrifice it all in order to remain in God's will? So be sure to understand that there is a cost to obeying our God, too. If we are to be used in God's service, we must expect to make adjustments in our life.

Is God asking us to make adjustments  while we follow Him? Are we willing to face hardships and opposition so we align our life with God's will? Jeremiah had deep satisfaction of knowing he was a faithful and beloved servant of God. Our reward will be the same when we choose to fully obey Christ, regardless of the cost.

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

Do we weep over loved ones that wander into a sinful lifestyle? Do we weep over the loss of things so we are following Jesus?
Jesus gave up everything, all, in order to provide us with salvation. Are we willing to give up all so others can receive His salvation?
Is Jesus our all? Nothing is too great to sacrifice for our Great Savior!

LET IT GROW

Jeremiah's righteous soul was so offended by the sins of Judah that he wanted to get away from them, even if it meant living in a shack in the desert. But God did not require that. God had every right to judge the people of Judah, for their sins included:

• lying, so no one trusted them, even family;
• taking advantage of brothers;
• slandered friends;
• fooled and defrauded each other;
• utterly refused to acknowledge God;
• speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their heart to kill them.
• idolatry and adultery. (verses 3-9)

That is why Jeremiah wept over the land which he loved.
Does this sound like our modern day nation?

Do we cry over the sinful state our nation is in now?
Will we ask God to forgive us of our national sins and send us revival?


LET IT GO
Our God has done great things. He can do it again. We just need to follow His Word.
Thanks be to our God who can heal our land.

Concern and Compassion

O. T. #1745  "Concern and Compassion"
July 30, 2020
Jeremiah 8-Part 2
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? (verse 22)

LET IT GLOW

Last week my cousin called to let me know that his brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it was also in a few other spots, but not in his bones. My heart went out to this family, but I knew it was not safe for me to visit the sick guy. What was I to do in order to show my love and support? (We cousins grew up a close family.) The Lord provided an answer. When I stopped to get gas one morning, guess who pulled up in his truck? Yes, he did. We were able to stand apart and had a good visit. I reassured him that he was not alone in this battle. Doctors have a battle plan for kemo treatments. I think his balm is the support of his family, for he lives alone. There are other ways for me to show concern and compassion.

The grace of God was available to the people of Judah, yet it was rejected. Jeremiah was overcome with grief for his people. He warned them what was coming, but they didn't want to hear it and ignored his message of repentance. If only the scribes, prophets, and priests and princes had believed Jeremiah was telling the truth and spread it to the people, leading them in admitting their sins, but they did not. Smooth words was what the people wanted and that is what they got-we are okay and God is with us. Sound familiar?
Friend, please keep reading, for there is hope ahead.

What does Jeremiah continue to say to Judah?

• God was disappointed with His vineyard, Judah. (verse 13)
• The serpents (Babylon) was coming and will bite them. (verse 17)

Devastation was coming, when their crops would be taken and destroyed by the enemies and famine was inevitable. Verse 20 says, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

However, there was hope for Judah. If only they reached out to their God and destroyed their idols.

Five years after Jeremiah's call, the last great revival occurred under Josiah. Then, Pharoah Necho marched across northern Palestine, intending to fight the Assyrians at the Euphrates River. King Josiah, fearing that if Syria fell to Necho it would mean the end of Judah, then intercepted him at Megiddo. The armies of Judah were defeated; and Josiah, mortally wounded, died on his way to Jerusalem. (Falwell)

Oh dear one, has the summer of your life ended and you are not saved? Death can be around the corner awaiting for any of us. Behold, today is the day of salvation. Will you call on Jesus to save your soul and forgive your sins? He will. He loves you so much that He took your place for punishment of your sins and my sins.

Paul says in Romans 10:9, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Roman 10:13 says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.

LET IT GROW

What is the balm in Gilead, as our key verse mentions?
In the Hebrew language, the world balm means to crack (as by pressure), hence to leak; distillation (purifies).
Webster's Dictionary defines balm of Gilead as a small evergreen African and Asian tree with aromatic leaves; also, an agency that soothes, relieves, or heals.

It is a resin from the styrax tree in Gilead, across the Jordan from Anathoth. This healing ointment was known from patriarchal days (Gen. 37:25) and exported. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people? New Living Translation

Judah's suffering, later, was the result of their sin, but Jeremiah was still broken by the brokenness of his countrymen and longed for God to apply the healing balm in Gilead to their wounds. May Jesus' church have the same concern and compassion for the suffering among God's people. (Tony Evans)

Do we have concern and compassion for others? Do we show it to them? It isn't too late. Give them a call, send a note, give a gift. We will be blessed when we do.

LET IT GO

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work's in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
If you can't preach like Peter, if you can't pray like Paul, just tell the love of Jesus, and say He died for all.

Jesus is our balm in Gilead,

Discernment

O. T. #1744  "Discernment"
July 29, 2020
Jeremiah 8

LET IT GLOW

Which path are we on? Which path are our loved ones on? Is it Jesus' path or our own path? Is it a path of sin or righteousness?

How did the Lord describe the people of Judah and Jerusalem?

• They were on the wrong path-the path of sin and the self-destructive path. (verses 5-6)
• They were slidden back by a perpetual backsliding (turning away; apostasy). (verse 5)
• They held fast to deceit and refused to return to God. (verse 5)
• They knew not the judgment of the LORD. (verse 7)

Their ministers (scribes, prophets, and priests) did not teach the Word of God. The scribes were guilty because they wrote falsely; the prophets and priests were guilty because they spoke falsely. So the people did not know they were on the wrong path.

Do we know what the Word of God says so we know if our spiritual teachers, writers, and speakers are doing so about the Truth, the Word of God? Or are they telling stories that tickle our ears instead?
Jesus is the Truth that we are to teach, write, and speak about. It is up to us to discern what we hear and read.

LET IT GROW

The Lord doesn't beat around the bush, does He? He tells it like it is. Of course, He sees into the hearts of people. In the first two verses, God gets to the heart of the problem Judah had.

Conquerors would ransack all the tombs to gain treasures and then humiliate the Jews by scattering the bones of the rich and honored in open spaces as a tribute to the superiority of their gods. (MacArthur)

Judah turned away from worshiping the One True God to worshiping celestial creation of sun, moon, and stars. This was introduced by their kings Ahaz and Manasseh.  (Falwell)

The bones of Judah's significant people would be spread out those that they worshiped.
How did they treat those things as idols? According to Matthew Henry's Commentary:

• They loved them. As amiable beings and bountiful benefactors they esteemed them and delighted in them, and therefore did all that follows.
• They served them, did all they could in honor of them, and thought nothing too much; they conformed to all the laws of their superstition, without disputing.
• They walked after them, strove to imitate and resemble them, According to the characters and accounts of them they had received, which gave rise and countenance to much of the abominable wickedness of the heathen.
• They sought them, consulted them as oracles, appealed to them as judges, implored their favor, and prayed to them as their benefactors.
• They worshipped them, gave them divine honor, as having a sovereign dominion over them.

I wonder if those are the bones in Ezekiel's vision in Ez. 37

Who or what do we love, serve, follow, seek, and worship? Is it Jesus Christ and God?

LET IT GO
Our God is faithful, loving, worthy of worship and praise.
We are to walk in His ways, serve Him, seek Him, and love Him.

Singing and Laughter

O. T. #1743  "Singing and Laughter"
July 28, 2020
Jeremiah 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Are we still singing and laughing during our days? Is there still joy in our heart? How wonderful it is to join with other believers and sing praise to our Lord Jesus. We must allow Jesus to maintain this way of life for us, as we surrender to Him, hearken to His Word, and His ways. Judah did not hearken their God. Today we will see what caused singing and laughter to cease in the streets.

It must have been very difficult for Jeremiah to spend the rest of his life warning his people of the upcoming judgment of God if they did not repent of their idolatry. He wrote what we have as 45 more chapters in this book. Then he lamented over the city while sitting in the midst of its destruction. Their loving God had warned His people and called them back to Him.

God had pointed out their ways of hypocritical worship, their chanting in the Temple of the LORD like it was only a good-luck charm to them. Jeremiah had to specifically tell the Jews to correct their ways and actions.

Tony Evans puts into modern wording how can God's response to their non-repentance:
"Are you serious? You think you can act like that and then come before Me for blessing as if I don't know what you're doing?"
God's people had so corrupted themselves that they had turned His holy temple into a den of robbers (verse 11). Later, Jesus took up Jeremiah's words against the people of Israel in his own day; they were also guilty of desecrating God's "house of prayer."  (Matthew 21:13)

The Temple had become a marketplace as they made the selling offerings and sacrifices, as well as using Roman coins a commerce and profit. It was difficult for Jews coming miles away to offer perfect sacrifices for their sins.

Are we making the church a place where items are sold? Or is it a House of Prayer as we worship?


LET IT GROW

God had given Judah one basic command: Obey Him and His commands and God would be their God and they would be His people. (verse 23) However, they would not heed the call.

The words hearken, hearkened (obedience, to hear, discern, regard, tell, witness) appear 3 times in verses 24-27. Judah would not do it, going backward and not forward. They hardened their neck, not bending to God.

Verse 28, NLT, reads, Say to the, "This is the nation whose people will not obey the LORD their God and who refuse to be taught. Truth has vanished from among them; it is no longer heard on their lips."

God told Jeremiah to shave his head in mourning, and weep alone on the mountains. For the LORD has rejected and forsaken this generation that has provoked His fury.

There was nothing left for Jeremiah to do but to take up a lament for Judah. He was ordered to cut off his hair and sing a funeral dirge for the terrible destruction that was coming. (verse 29)

There would be an end to happy singing and laughter in the streets of Jerusalem. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides would no longer be heard in the towns of Judah. The land would lie in complete desolation.

What a downer. The people brought it on themselves. It would be 70 years after Judah was taken captives to Babylon that the Temple would be rebuilt. That is a long time to not have a place to worship. Folks, we need to be concerned that socialism is trying to destroy our places of worship and remove the worship of God in our society. Think of how many generations now have not had prayer and Bible readings in the schools. Has this resulted in rebellion against authority and importance of life?

LET IT GO
Take joy, for the Lord Jesus is alive!
There is no power like the power of Jesus, His love, forgiveness, patience, grace and mercy!
May we pray for changed hearts in our nation as we sing and praise our Lord.

Obedience

O. T. #1742  "Obedience"
July 27, 2020
Jeremiah 7-Part 2
But this thing commanded I them saying, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. (verse 23)

LET IT GLOW

Aren't we as parents happiest when our children obey us out of a loving heart instead of fearing the consequences? God is the same way.

What was God requiring of Judah and His people in verse 23?

• Obey His voice, then He would be their God and they would be His people.
• Do everything God says and all will be well with them.

The word obey in the Hebrew language, means hear intelligently; give ear; proclaim; tell; report; regard)

Obedience was what God wanted from His children. It was an internal obedience from the heart.

Joshua told his people  to meditate on the law, speak about it, and observe it all, for then they would be prosperous and have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Samuel told his people, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (1 Sam. 15:22-23)

Jesus said, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)

So, the question is, Are we doing obeying what God tells us, and are we doing what God says in His Word?

Later in this book, the LORD says, Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)


LET IT GROW

Did the people of Judah have the right priorities? After all, they were making sacrifices and burnt offerings unto the God. However, they were empty ritualism in contrast with the obedience God demands. their offerings had lost the sacred significance they were intended to have. Jeremiah told the people they might as eat their burnt offerings. (It was due to their offerings also being made to the Queen of heaven, fertility goddess, Ashtoreth, who was worshiped in Assyria and Babylon. It involved sexual immorality.)

It isn't the sacrifices God wants; He desires our obedience and promises that He will be our God and we will be His people. (Life Application Study Bible)

When our heart is right with God, then it is because we love Him that we give sacrifices and offerings unto Him. Then He will accept them. It takes the right intent.

Is there something you have yet done that God has told you to do?
Are our offerings given out of ritual or a loving heart?

LET IT GO

Jesus is waiting.
God so loved the world.

Lip Service

O. T. #1741  "Lip Service"
July 24, 2020
Jeremiah 7

LET IT GLOW

We can all use some hope every now and then. Especially while we read through this book and live in this day of pandemic. so, here are a few that I found encouraging.

God never casts away the genuinely saved from spiritual salvation. (MacArthur)

Jesus is speaking in John 6:37: All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in nor wise cast out.

And in John 10:27-29: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

Whom does the Father give to the Son? All those who believer in Jesus. So, when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, we are eternally secure. We can't be lost again. What security we have-no one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand nor the Father's hand, plus, we will never perish, but live forever.

LET IT GROW

The Third Message (7:1-10:25)

Jeremiah was almost put to death for this sermon that he delivered in the Temple (chapter 26), but was rescued by some of Judah's leaders. It took courage to say this content, for he was opposed by kings, prophets, priests, and people. He remained faithful to God and his calling.

The themes of this section are false religion, idolatry, and hypocrisy. Worship had become a ritual while the people maintained a sinful lifestyle. We can do a lot of activities, but unless they are done for the glory of God and with a sincere heart-attending services, taking communion, teaching the Bible, singing in the choir.

Judah's false religion is mentioned in the first 12 verses:

• Trusting in lying words. (v.4)
• Oppressing strangers, the fatherless, and widow.
• Shedding innocent blood in the Temple.
• Walking after other gods.
• Steal, murder, commit adultery, and swear falsely, as well as burn incense unto Baal.
• They made the Temple a den of robbers.

Jeremiah complained that God's people were treating His covenant as license for immoral living. How could they repudiate the commandments and rejoice in the power of God at the same time?
Are we giving lip service to God and not our heart service?

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO
Be very careful to...serve Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Joshua 22:5)

The Good Old Way

O. T. #1740 "The Good Old Way"
July 23, 2020
Jeremiah 6

LET IT GLOW

The good old way can be the best way, especially if it is God's way. Which way are we living?

...Peace, peace, when there is no peace. (verse 14)

Wicked leaders among the prophets and priests proclaimed peace falsely and gave weak and brief comfort. (verse 13) They provided no true healing from the spiritual wound, not having discernment to deal with the sin and its effects. (verse 15) The need was to return to obedience. (verse 16)
(MacArthur Bible Commentary)

The prophets and priests were all frauds. They offered superficial treatments for God's people's mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. (NLT, verse 13b, 14)

The army of Babylon was going to come to Jerusalem and Judah; it was inevitable. Prophet Jeremiah warned them what was going to take place if they did not repent and turn to God. The children of Benjamin was told to flee from the city for safety.

Paul told Timothy, Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2Timothy 2:22)

Are we desiring to be a vessel for honor and for the Master's use?
Then, verse 15 applies to us, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

I am so proud you for studying the Truth with me. You keep me going day after day. We must be sure to listen to  what God is saying to us in His Word, which is unlike Judah. Let's be sure to continue to pray for our nation during this pandemic. Let us confess our nation's sins-allowing abortions, homosexuality, materialism and proclaim it to others. God will hear our prayers and heal our land and immorality and idolatry.

LET IT GROW

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (verse 16)

What are we to do?

• Stand, stop at the crossroads and look around;
• Ask for the old, godly way.
• Walk in it.
• Travel its path.
• you will find rest for your souls.

It is the right way, the right path, that Jesus walked, which is godliness and righteousness, and leads to heaven. The old paths were traveled by the patriarchs and the standards of the law of God. It is the good old way in which the saints walked and lived their lives. Loving God and worshiping Him only is the right way. Then we will have peace and rest for our soul.


LET IT GO
Give me that old time religion. Where we pray, study God's Word, and obey it.

Just One

O. T. #1739  "Just One"
July 22, 2020
Jeremiah 5
"Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and look now, and take note. And seek in her open squares, if you can find a man, if there is one who does justice, who seeks truth. Then I will pardon her." (verse 1, NAS)

LET IT GLOW

There have been so many people down through history who made a difference and changed history. And most of them did it just one person at a time. We can think of scientists, explorers, preachers, presidents, kings, and leaders that fit into that category.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see God's hand on the lives of individuals who thought and said and did what was right-regardless-and as a result, history was made. (Swindoll)

God gave Jeremiah what seemed to be an easy assignment-if he could find just one person that executed judgment (divine law; justice) and seeks truth (faith), then God would pardon and forgive Jerusalem.
Surely there was one who lived by God's laws and had faith in the God of Judah. Apparently, there was not even one such person to be found in the streets of Jerusalem. How sad. What a rebellious people they were.

We might think about those who were faithful to Jehovah-Jeremiah and Baruch his secretary, those who hid them from Jehoiakim, and Ebed-melech the Ethiopian. They may not have been in the streets at the time Jeremiah searched for the one.

Are we being the one in our family, in our neighborhood, in our church, in our community, that strives to live for God and lives by faith? Look at the influence Jesus had during His time; Moses and the change brought about for God's people; the disciples and Paul during the New Testament time; and Billy Graham in our world.

Dear one, your influence as one Christian can bring hope to others, so stay faithful.


LET IT GROW

The wickedness of Judah is seen in her attitude of ingratitude. They were not thankful for the food which God provided for them. The rains and sunshine for the crops to grow came from their God. Since the people were ungrateful for what God did for them, we read of the results in verse 25:
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.

If only Judah had turned from idol worship and turned to God in repentance, they would not have been taken away into a foreign land and Jerusalem would not have been destroyed along with the Temple.

So, how is our daily gratitude? There is so much that God provides for us that we take for granted, at least I do.

LET IT GO

Thank You, Father God for salvation, protection, food, medications, air conditioning, my family, love of others, etc.

Finish It Off

O. T. #1738  "Finish It Off"
July 21, 2020
Jeremiah 4
This is what the LORD says: "the whole land will be ruined, but I will not destroy it completely." (verse 27, NLT)

LET IT GLOW

I baked a pumpkin pie (crustless and sugarless) and have eaten most of it in 4 days. Oh me, since there are only 2 pieces left, should I finish it off tomorrow? It doesn't help that my hubby does not like pumpkin pie, either. (His favorite is pecan pie.) Although I am on a low carb, low sugar diet, I have to have some kind of reward, don't I? (I have lost 30 pounds, too.)

Although Judah was going to experience ruin, God was not going to finish it off. God let Jeremiah know there was a future hope for them. After 70 years away from home, living in the foreign land of Babylon as slaves, Judah would get to return home, free, and rebuild everything. They would worship God again and rebuild the Temple.

Is there something in our life that we need to finish it off, get rid of?

LET IT GROW

This is a difficult chapter to read, isn't it. God's judgment was coming upon Judah. Look at verse 22:
For My people is foolish, they have not known Me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

This is the only place where the word sottish appears in Scriptures. It means silly; fool.

Is God saying that His people are foolish, for they don't know Him? Yes.
Is He saying that they are like stupid children who have no understanding? Yes.
Is He describing them as clever enough to doing wrong, but have no idea how to do right? Yes.

Tony Evans describes Judah as:

Experts at wickedness; novices at righteousness. This is the exact opposite of God's will for His children, as Paul writes, "I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19).

Right living requires decision and discipline. We must practice right living so it honors our God and draws people to Him.

Friend, do we know what to do that is good in a situation, and do it?
Are we living by God's standards instead of the world's non-standards?
Is God our confident hope, complete joy, and sweet peace?
Do we walk in integrity as we go along trusting our Everlasting Father?
Do we praise and thank Him for the little things in life?

LET IT GO
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the mountains and the valleys of life.
We are so thankful that You do not finish us off when we sin, but show mercy to us.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Understanding

O. T. #1737  "Understanding"
July 20, 2020
Jeremiah 3
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (verse 15)

LET IT GLOW

Is there a situation that you don't understand what is going on? Do you wonder what is happening, why it is happening? There are answers available to us. We need to seek the right source, though.

Second Message:
It is sad to read about the apostasy of Israel and then Judah. First, it was backsliding Israel who worshiped idols on the high places like the pagans. God sent them prophets with a message of repentance, showing His grace and love was available, but they refused to turn back to worshiping only God. Then Judah followed in her sister's steps, only pretending to repent, which was not with her whole heart. They only complied outwardly, not with a change of the whole heart. Only one northern king, Jehoahaz, sought the Lord, but only under Syrian oppression. On the other hand, Judah became lukewarm spiritually as they wanted both God and Baal on their side. This is one of the greatest sins against Christ, found in Revelation 3. Judah was more guilty of sin because they had greater privileges, such as divinely ordained kings, priests, the Temple of captive Israel.
Israel became captive in Assyria.
[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

In verses 14-15, there is a promise of regathering to the Lord and to the land. It will be only a small remnant, one from a city and two of a family, but they will come back to Jerusalem again. This happened after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Israel became united as one nation again, obeying the Lord. The Lord gave them pastors (shepherds) after God's own heart. They would guide the people with knowledge and understanding.

Ann Voskamp wrote these beautiful words:

Morning encounter with my King who is my everything, who understands everything & is carrying everything. And, in the middle of everything, like Jonathan Edwards said: God is a communicative being. There is nothing like knowing that the Communicative God wants to communicate with you. The One who spoke you into being is a Communicative Being who longs to keep speaking to you. How is God inviting you from your holy experience in His Word, in presenting prayer-to participate with Him in His holy work in the world? God communicates to us that we might participate with Him.

You know, we can listen to years of messages under a pastor, show up for Sunday School, sing praises to the Lord, and yet have a heart that is as hard as a rock. How we need to protect our heart. How are our hearts doing with listening to our God? Do we have knowledge of God and understanding? Are we praying for our pastor to have the knowledge of God and understanding?
Do we pray for God-honoring leaders in our nations, communities, and churches-those who will be good examples and bring us God's wisdom?

We are asking that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10)

LET IT GROW

What are some things Jeremiah writes about Judah and we can apply to our life today?
* God longs to welcome back His wayward people.  (verse 19)
* He repeats His invitation to repentance. (verse 22)
* The weeping and begging for mercy in Israel is pictured. (verse 21) However, this would not
    happen in the days of Jeremiah.
* The salvation of Israel is only in the LORD our God. (verse 23)
[The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Acts 4:12 tells us, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Peter was referring to Jesus Christ.

Dear friend, do you know Jesus as your Savior?  When we believe in our heart that Jesus died to provide salvation and forgiveness of our sins, then ask Him to forgive us of our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

LET IT GO
There is nothing our God can't do.
If we need wisdom, just ask Him.
When we need to understand our situation, ask God to show us from His perspective.
When we sin, simply ask forgiveness for that sin.

Forgetting

O. T. #1736  "Forgetting"
July 17,2020
Jeremiah 2-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What have you forgotten lately? I must admit that my memory is not like it used to be. Now, it never was top notch, for I have always had to write out a grocery list in order to get what was needed. So I have a calendar on my frig and on my cell phone to keep me reminded of appointments, birthdays, and events coming up. Although, that is no guarantee that I will remember such. I even forgot a grandchild's birthday a couple of months ago, which was a first.

In verse 32, we find out who Judah/ Israel had forgotten? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.

They had forgotten their God. It is hard to imagine that the people of God would forget Him, but they did.
Forgotten means to mislay; to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.

Do we get so busy with our obligations that we forget to pray and read the Bible? (Obviously, you have not.) However, others do.

Life Application Study Bible explains:

Forgetting can be dangerous, whether it is intentional or an oversight. Israel deliberately ignored God by focusing its affections on the allurements of the world. The more we focus on the passing pleasures of this life, the easier it becomes to forget God's care, His love, His dependability, His guidance, and most of all, God Himself. What pleases you most? Have you been forgetting God lately?

In Isaiah 49:15, God says, ...yet will I not forget thee.

Then in verse 16, God said, Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.

There is good news-God will not forget us, for our name is carved on the palms of His hands.
So friend, God continues to love us and watches over us, even if... God is still God!

LET IT GROW

In verses 23-27, the people are compared to animals who search for mates in mating season, unrestrained. Judah was unrestrained as they rushed for power, money, alliances with foreign powers, and other gods. Notice that the people sought idols and ran wildly after them, instead of the idols seeking the people.
Do we become so comfortable in our sin that we could not think of giving it up? Is our only shame being caught? Isn't it a sign that we are out of tune with God, and maybe addicted to whatever it is?

We must be careful in today's world, for it is easy to have access to so many wrong things that can become addictions-porm, gambling, unfaithfulness to a spouse, etc.
Jesus is present in all we do, as Christians. He sees all and hears all, even those hidden sins. We must confess our sins and be faithful to without a sinful lifestyle. Others are watching us, too. Sometimes we just need to step back and ask God to reveal anything in our life that is displeasing to Him.

LET IT GO
We want to please You, Heavenly Father.
Keep us faithful to You and applying Your Word in our life.

Backsliding

O. T. #1735  "Backsliding"
July 16, 2020
Jeremiah 2-Part 3
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of Hosts. (verse 19)

LET IT GLOW

Have you been refreshed at the fountain of living waters-Jesus Christ? He is our source of love, freedom from the chains of sin, and our hope.

Take a look at verse 20a, NLT, Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you and tore away the chains of your slavery, but still you said, 'I will not serve you.'

God broke the yoke of slavery that oppressed Israel in Egypt and tore away the chains of their slavery.

Does anything have us in a yoke like the oxen were connected together to pull a heavy load?

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

 Does an addiction, bad habit, or bad attitude keep you down? Or maybe one of your loved ones?  Are you in chains financially, in a relationship, or a job? Ask Jesus to set you free. He may not remove the problem, but can help you carry the load. It may be a matter of attitude about the situation that needs to change.

LET IT GROW

What is God telling Judah and us in verse 20?
* Your wickedness will bring its own correction/punishment.
* Your backslidings (apostasy-renunciation of religious faith) turning from God will shame you.
* You see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the LORD your God and not to fear Him.

There were numerous defections, turning away from the God of Israel in Scripture. Jeremiah repeats this recurring theme some 13 times in his book, as well as it found in other Scriptures four times.(Falwell)


Think it over and see how evil and bitter it is for you to abandon the LORD your God and have no fear of Him. (Life Application Study Bible)

Sadly,  we know how it turned out for Israel-the spent 70 years in captivity in Babylon. The point Jeremiah was making was that they brought this on themselves.

We must continuously be on guard against temptations of sin and backsliding away from faith in God. Dear one, do not allow your small sin nor the sin of others to take you down the road of backsliding. Stay closely walking with Jesus day in and day out. Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open to the schemes Satan uses to tempt us away from Jesus.

LET IT GO
Keep me yoked to You, King Jesus.
Be our rest for our weary souls.

Thirst Quenching Living Water

O. T. #1734  "Thirst Quenching Living Water"
July 15, 2020
Jeremiah 2-Part 2
For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Are you in a "dry spell" in your Christian life? Are you experiencing spiritual dryness right now? Do we reduce the Fountain of Living Waters, Jesus Christ, to a trickle in us? Friend, this should not happen, but it does. It is due to our own doing, for when we attempt to find our source of spiritual refreshment from man-made sources, which fails us every time, instead of the Lord Jesus.

The first problem Judah had was that they forsook Jesus, the Fountain of Living Waters. Let's take a closer look at those words.
In the Hebrew language, forsaken means relinquish; leave; refuse; a fountain is a source (of water, even when naturally flowing); a well-spring; living refers to fresh (water); life; running; springing;
waters are springs; floods.

You may recall the time when Jesus conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well, found in John 4. Jesus said in verses 13-14, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

The woman believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, who gives eternal life. Judah had left, refused, the One who could give the abundant life and everlasting life.

Jesus wants to be a constantly flowing stream, a river, even, keeping us fresh, filled, and satisfied. As Jesus quenches our spiritual thirst, He overflows touching the parched lives of those around us. (Joni Eareckson Tada)

God refers to Himself as an artesian well in the life of a believer. (Blackaby)

Webster's Dictionary defines an artesian well as a well in which water is under pressure; one in which the water flows to the surface naturally; a deep well.

Artesian wells bubbled forth with a cold, fresh, never-ending supply of water from the depths of the earth, quenching any thirst and always satisfying. You don't need to run all over the country trying to find sources of spiritual refreshment. Conferences, retreats, and books can all bring encouragement; but if you are a Christian, the source of living water already resides within you. Why would you exchange an artesian well for a broken water tank? Artesian wells do not dry up. Broken cisterns do. [Experiencing God Day-By-Day Devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

Jesus extended an invitation to you when He said: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7:37). Also, in Revelation 21:6, Jesus said He will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of life freely. Have you been refreshed in your soul by the living water only Jesus can provide?

LET IT GROW

The Lord that Judah abandoned was their source of spiritual salvation and sustenance. This was their first sin.
What was the other sin that Judah did? They dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all.
A cistern is an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (as rainwater). (Webster's Dictionary)

A broken cistern, a holding tank, that held no water, was no good. Do we have holding tanks for past victories or other people's ideas? Do we try to store up the freshness of Jesus in our life, but we actually become a stagnant pool of old experiences and tired testimonies? Then we do not live the fresh, thirst-quenching life  each day that God wants to give us.

Israel and Judah lost their freedom and became slaves to Assyria and then to Egypt, eventually to Babylon. It was all because they forsook and left the God who loved them and turned to false gods.

Our cisterns can be modern money power, religious systems, or whatever we choose to replace God.


LET IT GO
Jesus, be our Living Water that quenches the thirsting of our souls.
Refresh us with Your Spirit today.
Keep us thirsting for more of You.
How glorious You are, Sweet Jesus!

Remembering

O. T. #1733  "Remembering"
July 14, 2020
Jeremiah 2

LET IT GLOW

Do you remember the excitement and enthusiasm for your future together whenever you were newlyweds? I recall those feelings of young love we had for each other. I willingly moved many times before my husband settled on what God's calling on his life, his purpose, was. I followed him wherever he went. Israel was like that, in their young years of heading toward the Promised Land.
However, at this particular time, their love for God had grown cold. Let's take a deeper look into the situation.

Jeremiah prophesied during the last 40 years of Judah's history, through the reign of its 5 last kings, to the destruction of Jerusalem and beyond. Some commentaries say he gave 6-14 messages condemning Judah for their idolatry. Which ever is used, Judah had forsaken their God and was without salvation. God used Jeremiah to deliver messages to His people, so the words came from their God. The outlines used are from Liberty Bible Commentary.

Message 1: national apostasy

The first message came during the thirteenth year reign of King Josiah. Josiah became king at age 8. It was during godly King Josiah's reign that the Law was found and the temple worship was restored.
Thus, a great revival occurred, which was 5 years after Jeremiah was called by God.
Later, Pharoah Necho marched across northern Palestine, intending to fight the Assyrians at the Euphrates River. Josiah feared that if Syria fell under this empire, then it would be the end of Judah. So Judah's army intercepted the Egyptians, but were defeated. Thus, Josiah was mortally wounded and died on his way back to Jerusalem. That gives us some historical background, which I did not know about.

Now then, let's turn to chapter 2. What was this first message about? The LORD remembered some things about Judah's younger years, when they first began loving Him:
* the kindness of their youth;
* love like a young bride eager to please;
* following God in the barren wilderness;
* Israel was holiness unto the LORD;
* they were the first of His children;
* God protected them, harming those who harmed Israel.

Likewise, God showed Israel kindness, love, provision, holiness, and protection.

What can we learn from this?
Even when our hearts grow cold toward God and our devotion to Him weakens, His love remains steadfast. We may forget God, but He remembers us. It's good to use our spiritual memory, recalling our early years as a young believer in Jesus. Have we drifted from God? Is our love and devotion to Him just as strong today as it was back them? We must guard our hearts so our love does not grow cold. God has not changed. He still loves us.
[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby]


LET IT GROW

What did Judah's apostasy look like?
*They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves.
* They defiled the Promised Land and corrupted the possession God gave them.
* The priests did not miss God, but ignored His Word; they became civil leaders, not religious ones.
 * Prophets turned to Baal, the false fertility god of the heathens, oracles.

In spite of their sins, God continued to plead with His children to repent and return to Him. His mercy and love continued. (verse 9)

How is your relationship with God right now? Is it cold and ritual or warm, loving, and growing stronger? It is always good to remember our days or years as a young Christian.


LET IT GO
I see You in everything, all day, Jesus. Your love continues.
With every beat of my heart, keeps reminding me, all day.
No matter where I go, Your love is finding me.
You will always be my everything.
(I am so grateful for Christian radio.)

Get Ready to Go

O. T. #1732  "Get Ready to Go"
July 13, 2020
Jeremiah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Jeremiah had a charge from God to be His prophet, as well as a choice to take the challenge. He accepted it and committed his life to being God's spokesman. He was faithful in sharing God's message to His people. God gave him power to say the truth, and protected his life, even when the reactions of the people were hateful.

In verse 17, what were God's instructions for Jeremiah?
* gird up his loins;
* arise, speak to all that God commanded him to speak;
* be not dismayed (afraid; discouraged; scare; terrify) at their faces;
* lest He confound Jeremiah.

NLT puts it this way, Get up and prepare for action. go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them.

Jeremiah was to get ready for service or equip himself for kingdom work. He was to tuck his long robe under a belt around the waist in order to run, work, or fight. (Falwell)

Since many of us have been at home for months, are we using that time to prepare for what God has for us to do or are we wasting our time? Are we continuing in various Bible studies for encouragement?  Is our faith in Jesus growing or are we becoming stagnate spiritually?
Hopefully, this blog challenges you and encourages you.

What if we are the Jeremiah's of our world? (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

How does God reassure Jeremiah in verse 18?
As a defensed city, and iron pillar, and brazen walls would defy the assaults of an enemy, so God would protect His servant Jeremiah. (Falwell)

God made Jeremiah strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. He would stand against the whole bunch of them-kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
Although they would fight Jeremiah, they would fail. How would this be?

For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Isn't that all we need-to know God has called us to a task, then He will protect us and take care of us, as well as be with us all the way?

Who is taking care of you today, friend? Jesus told us that He would never leave us nor forsake us.
Is it time for us to get ready and go? Are we salt and light in this world?

Where you are-with that one child, on that one street, under your one roof, living with your one family-it is a noble, Christ-called thing. It only takes one person to change the world-one individual, one soul, can be your world.
(Ann Voskamp)


LET IT GO

Help us be different from this world, Jesus.
Prepare us with Your Word and lead us.
May we be faithful followers today.

Going

O. T. #1731  "Going"
July 10, 2020
Jeremiah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Where are you going, friend? On what path is your life?

Jeremiah was a 20 year old priest appointed by God to be His prophet. Even before he was born, God knew Jeremiah and decided to use this young man in this special way, as well as being set apart and ordained to this assignment. When we are God's child, He has a special service for Him. Have you found yours yet?

In verse 6, what was Jeremiah's response to his calling?
He told God that he could not speak, for he was a child, which refers to a servant; damsel; lad; young man, in the Hebrew language.

Jeremiah only need some encouragement, unlike Moses, who angered the Lord with his repeated excuses.
What was God's responses?
* Jeremiah wasn't too young to speak for God.
* He must go where God sent him.
* Say whatever God told him to say, for God would put His words in Jeremiah's mouth.
* Don't be afraid of the people.
* God was with Jeremiah and protected him.
* Some nations and kingdoms Jeremiah would uproot and tear down, while others he would build up
    and plant.

Jeremiah's work was to warn the Jews, as well as all the nations, of God's judgment for sin.
Today, God still desires that we share hope and salvation with the world. Are we doing that?

LET IT GROW

What were the two signs given to Jeremiah as a sort of outline of his prophetic ministry?
1. He saw a rod (stick or branch), a rod of correction, of an almond (earliest tree blooming;
     wakeful). The almond tree is the first tree to blossom, awakening from winter sleep, in January
     located in Palestine. Its meaning is that the sins of Judah would be judged before those of the other
     nations.
2. Jeremiah saw a seething pot, a large pot used to cook vegetables/or meat for many people, and
     tips over toward the north. This illustrated that Jerusalem and Judah will be destroyed by people
     from the north. This happened with Babylon came from the north  to destroy the temple in
     Jerusalem and take the people captive. It was like scalding judgment upon them.

Life Application Study Bible explains it this way:

The problems we face may not seem as ominous as Jeremiah's, but they are critical to us and may overwhelm us! God's promise to Jeremiah and to us is that nothing will defeat us completely; He will help us through the most agonizing problems. Face each day with the assurance that God will be with you and see you through.

We must be aware of false gods which can entice us away from our God. They may come in the form of material possessions, dreams for the future, approval of others, or jobs. We must guard our hearts, stay in the Word, obey it, and fellowship with other believers of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah had a choice to obey and follow God's will for him, or turn his back and say, "It's not for me," "I can't do it, so send someone else," or "Your assignment is too hard for me, God?"
No, he was up for the challenge and did what he was told to say and do, go where God sent him.

Are we a faithful servant, in spite of the cost? Jesus was, for He gave His life to accomplish God's will. I'm not saying our life may be required, but it can be very painful at times. But, oh the blessings along the way. Nothing compares them.

LET IT GO

Jesus said in Mark 8:34, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Are we willing to go?
The joy of the Lord is my strength.

You Have a Special Purpose for Your Life

O. T. #1730  "You Have a Special Purpose For Your Life"
July 9, 2020
Introduction to Jeremiah-Part 2
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (verse 5)

Each one of us has a special calling on our life by God. You were made with a specific thing to do with your talents and abilities and spiritual gifts for His glory and honor. Are you faithfully doing those things? Maybe you are raising children at home right now; are you teaching children about Jesus? Are you helping neighbors in need? Or, are you singing in a choir for God's glory? Whatever you are doing to serve God is very important in His Kingdom work. Keep doing it, dear one. We don't know what effect we will have on future generations. Jeremiah had a special purpose for his life. Read on to find out what it was.

Jeremiah was a priest and a prophet to Judah after Isaiah. He was probably around 20 years of age when God called him to prophesy, warning Judah if they did not repent of idolatry then they would go into captivity, but they refused. Jeremiah was a humble and sorrowful over the condition and future of his countrymen. As a result, Israel went into captivity for 70 years in Babylon. Jeremiah prophesied during the reign of five kings in Judah. His kingdom work lasted some 40-50 years. When Babylon came conquering Jerusalem and Judah, some Hebrews dragged Jeremiah and his secretary Baruch with them to Egypt. Probably, he died there. around age 70-80.

Theological Themes

The main theme of this book is judgment upon Judah (chapters 1-29) with future restoration in the Messianic Kingdom (23-30). The secondary theme is God's willingness to spare and bless the nation only if the people repent. Other themes include:
1. God's longing for Israel to be tender toward Him, as in the days of first love (2:1-3);
2. Jeremiah's servant tears, as "the weeping prophet" (9:1);
3. the close, intimate relationship God had with Israel and that He yearned to keep (13:11);
4. suffering, as Jeremiah's trials (chapters 11, 20) and God's sufficiency in all trouble (chapter 20);
5. the viral role that God's Word can play in life (15:16);
6. the place of faith in expecting restoration from the God for whom nothing is too difficult (chapter
     32);
7. prayer for coordination of God's will with God's action in restoring Israel to its land (chapter 33).
[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

One thing for us to note is that this book was not written in chronological order as it happened, but it was loosely arranged as it moved back and forth in time. Another thing, even though this is a sad book, there are some spiritual lessons for us to learn from it. So we will try to find some encouragement along the way. Now, let's take a look at the first chapter.

What can we learn about Jeremiah's call to be God's prophet?
  *The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, in which he found assurance. We can find answers for
     our life questions in Scriptures. (verse 4)
  *Jeremiah's appointment as prophet was made before he was born. God knew Jeremiah, was
     acquainted with him and approved him while Jeremiah was in his mother. Also, Jeremiah was
     sanctified and ordained then. (verse 5) In other words, Jeremiah was chosen and set apart for
     special service by God.
  * Jeremiah made an excuse of not being able to speak and being too young for such a task. (Sounds
      like Moses, huh?) do we make excuses when we know God has a special task for us to do?
 
We are going to leave Jeremiah there. It gives us something to think about. Dear friend, have you heard the call to salvation in Jesus Christ? How did you react? Or have you heard the call of God on your life into special service? Maybe you have felt God nudging you to serve in a special way in your church or community. Are you faithfully doing His will?
Just think about it, before we were born, God had a special purpose for our life in kingdom work. I'm talking about the God of this universe, who spoke everything into existence, loves us had wants to use you and me in a unique way for His glory.

Endurance, Hope, Love

O. T. #1729  "Endurance, Hope, Love"
July 8, 2020
Introduction to Jeremiah

How are you known in your family, church family, neighborhood, on your job, at the store?
How do you react to persecution, troubles, trials, waiting?
Today, we begin a new book of the Old Testament, which is entitled with the same name as its author, although he had someone to whom he dictated it. There is a lot that Jeremiah had to say in prophecy, which God used to warn His people of the upcoming destruction if they did not repent of idolatry. This caused Jeremiah to weep over his people as he waited for the future of captivity and destruction.

The Author

Who was this Prophet Jeremiah?

* He served as a priest in Judah.
* He was called by God to be a prophet around the age of 20.
* He was the son of a priest, Hilkiah (not the one who found the Law in 2Kings 22).
* He was from a small village of Anathoth, located 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem, and in the land of
   Benjamin. (verse 1).
* Jeremiah remained unmarried, as an object lesson to Judah. (16:1-4)
* A scribe named Baruch assisted him in the ministry by dictating and copying the messages of this
   prophet, as a type of secretary, who wrote on a scroll. (36:4)
* He was known as "the weeping prophet." (13:17)
* He lived a life of conflict because of his predictions about judgment by invading Babylon; he was
   threatened, tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee from a king, was publicly humiliated by a
   false prophet, and thrown into a pit.
* His ministry extended to about 50 years, lasting through 5 kings of Judah, and Gentile nations
    including Egypt.
[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

How did this prophet survive all that he experienced? How do we continue and not loose faith?
He knew that he was doing God's will and was not alone.

Paul, who endured so much suffering because of witnessing for Jesus, wrote to the church at Rome, which is found in Romans 5:3-5,NLT,
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problem and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. and this hope will not lead to disappointment. for we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His joy.

Are you enduring this trying time, friend?
Remember, our God gives us love, hope, and joy to endure anything. Just give Him the glory and be thankful for His blessings.

How to Have Peace

O. T. #1728  "How to Have Peace"
July 7, 2020
Summary of Isaiah-Part 4

A special thanks to all who has continued with me throughout this study. It has been a hard one, a heart searching one, and sweet one at the same time.
Are you in search of peace today? Read on to find out how to have peace.

III. Prophetic Consolation
       A. Purpose of Peace
       B. Prince of Peace
       C. Program of Peace (58:1-66:24)

In the closing chapters of Isaiah, we read of the Messiah's program of peace when Jesus returns to earth a second time to reign as Lord, Judge, and King of the universe. What are the conditions that God required of His people? Israel and Christians are to repent of their sins and rebellion toward God and others; their religious formalism, half-hearted worship and rituals (such as fasting); not keeping the Sabbath.

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer. (58:9)
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones : and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose water fail not. (58:11)

When there is repentance, then God promises light in darkness, healing and protection.

Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (59:1)

... and thou shalt know that I the LORD am Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (60:16b)

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified. (61:3)

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God,  beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him. (64:4)

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (64:6)

Without the blood of Jesus covering our sins, we cannot come to God, but will perish. Dear on, have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior? He is the only way to heaven.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (65:17)

Isaiah looks down beyond the church age, the Tribulation Period, and the Millennial kingdom into eternity.

... but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (66:2)

For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. (66:15)

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the LORD. (66:23)

Are you ready and prepared, dear friend, to be raptured out of here, for King Jesus to come and reign on earth for a thousand years, and for eternity? Isaiah acknowledged Jesus Christ as the Virgin's son, Immanuel, the Branch of the Lord, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Coming Messiah, the Suffering Servant, the Glorious King!

May God bless you as live today above your circumstances, waiting on the Lord, and following His steps. Keep the faith!

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary and The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Are You in Need of Peace?

O. T. #1727  "Are You in Need of Peace ?"
July 6, 2020
Summary of Isaiah-Part 3

Are you in need of peace today? Life can be ho-hum or hectic for us. Maybe you have slowed down during the past few months, but you are getting edgy now. There is One who is called the Prince of Peace that can give you the peace you need, no matter your circumstance.
There are several verses that can help us, but here is one appropriate:
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

III. Prophetic Consolation (40:1-66:24)
       A. Purpose of Peace (40:1-48:22)
       B. Prince of Peace (49:1-57:21)

Previously, we read about the Comforter, the Servant, and Deliverer-Jesus Christ as He was to bring peace to Israel after their 70 years of captivity in Babylon. These scriptures can also apply to us Gentiles now and during the Millennium reign of Jesus as King and Savior to the Jews.

Sing, O heavens, and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. (49:13)

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before Me. (49:16)
... and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me. (49:23c)
... for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. (49:25b)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (52:7)

Chapter 53 describes Israel's coming Messiah and our Savior as He provided for the transgressions and iniquities of us all throughout all time. Oh the sufferings He endured in order to set us free from the penalty of our sins, which was only by the grace of God.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (53:6)

As believers in Jesus, we are challenged to reach out to others with the gospel, to meet needs, to show the love of Christ to others, so they, too, can know the peace of God.

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of tine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.    (54:2)

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD. (54:17)

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. (55:6)

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (55:8-9)

So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (55:11)

... for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. (56:7c)

We should be sure to seek the Lord's thoughts, ways, and will before we jump into a project. Then be sure His gospel is shared through His Word. And remember to pray, especially in God's house. When we do kingdom work in this way, it shall be blessed. Let the Prince of Peace shine His light through our life upon others.




    

There is Strength Available

O. T. #1726  "There is Strength Available"
July 3, 2020
Summary of Isaiah-Part 2

How has your week gone friend? It's been different for me. Our son's family is on vacation at the beach this week, and I am dog sitting for them. It has been different from the last time we had her. She was young and full of energy back then; now she is old and sleeps most of the time, on our couch, of course. One good thing about this is that we have gone for a walk in the mornings. Finally, I am getting back into exercise. And, her little legs don't go fast, which is fine with me. Also, it gives me someone to talk to instead of myself. They will return tomorrow and so my nest will return to normal.

Well, we are continuing with the summary of the second and third section of the book of Isaiah. If you missed the first part, just look at the previous post.

We read of a transition of Assyria being Israel's enemy to that of Babylon. History says that Judah was taken away captive into Babylon for 70 years. Then the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon and King Cyrus allowed Jews to return home to rebuild Jerusalem. All of this happened according to God's omniscient plan. (He gave Judah and Israel ample time and warnings to repent of their idolatry.)

Here is the continued outline found in Liberty Bible Commentary:

II. Historic Consideration (36:1-39:8)
      A. Looking Back to the Assyrian Invasion (36:1-37:8)

Verses:
O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, that art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou has made hast made heaven and earth. (37:16)
This was the beginning of King Hezekiah's prayer as he laid a threatening letter, which was a reproach to the loving God, from the Assyrian king before his God. Then God gave reassurance for His people:
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against Me. (37:28)

      B. Looking Ahead to the Babylonian Captivity (38:1-39:8)

The angel of the Lord, Jesus, came one night and killed 185,000 Assyrians in their army for Judah.
In chapter 38, we read where healed King Hezekiah from a deadly sickness and added 15 years onto his life. As a sign that God would set free Judah and Jerusalem from their enemies, He moved the sun
dial back ten degrees, twenty minutes. God kept His promise, for there was peace for those 15 extra years of Hezekiah, before the Babylonians came.

III. Prophetic Consolation (40:1-66:24)
      A. Purpose of Peace (40:1-48:22)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand forever. (40:8)

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ((40:28-31)

Verse 31 is my favorite Bible verse. My daughter took time to embroider a picture of an eagle with that verse. It is so precious to me. God renews strength to those who serve and those who patiently await the fulfillment of His promises. He helps us run, walk, and fly, as well as wait on Him.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my rightness. (41:10)

In chapter 43-48, God is declaring Jesus/God is Savior, Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, your King, the First and the Last, the Only God, for there is none beside Him that is God, a Just God.  

Who is Jesus Christ to you, dear one? Is He your Savior, Redeemer, and King of your heart?
Isn't God's grace amazing? He is rich in love, slow to anger; His name is great and His heart is kind;
so merciful and faithful.  Is He your strength? How can we but sing His praises? Bless the Lord, oh my soul!
The Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you. His favor be upon you through thousands of generations.
Keep safe this weekend, friend as we celebrate our nation's independence and freedom of religion.

Do Not Fear

O. T. #1725  "Do Not Fear"
Summary of Isaiah
July 2, 2020

Thanks go out to you who have stayed with me throughout the study of this long prophetic book written by the Prophet Isaiah. Can you believe it that we began on November 5? What a blessing it has been, to know we are not alone. Those of you who have been with me for very long know that I like to return to verses that I have highlighted during our study. So this may take a few days, since there are 66 books in Isaiah, but it will be well worth it, I think.

As a review of who the author was, Isaiah was one of the most prominent citizens in Jerusalem for his day. His name is translated Joshua, which means "the Lord is salvation." Isaiah has been described as the most notable figure, after David, in the entire history of Israel. It is obvious that God called the man and spoke to the man as he wrote this prophetic book.

Isaiah lived during the reign of 5 kings in Judah-Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and  Mannasseh. What an influence he had, too. He served as chief advisor to King Hezekiah. Tradition says that he was sawn in half by Manasseh, the evil king who followed Hezekiah. Assyria was a world-wide threat for domination, but God did not allow it in Judah. Jerusalem fell 135 years after Israel fell to Assyria; then 150 years later Judah fell to Babylon's domination.

The problem with Judah was that many in Judah turned to idol worship, some worshiped God and idols, while a remnant of true believers in God were spared and their land was  returned to them.

It is amazing that this book has been preserved down through the ages, especially when Babylon conquered Judah and the Roman government during the New Testament times would have destroyed it. If it had not been for monks who copied the scrolls, and hit them in caves, they would have been. We can see the hand of God working after Isaiah lived.

I am using Liberty Bible Commentary as a resource, with Rev. Jerry Falwell and two others as the writers-Hindson and Knoll. They receive credit for the following outline:

I. Prophetice Condemnation. (1:1-35:10)
    A. Prophecies Against Judah and Jerusalem (1:-12:6)

Verses:
*Except the LORD of Hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. (1:9)
*Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be a scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (1:18)

Chapter 6 gives details of the vision and calling of Isaiah to be God's prophet to warn Judah what was coming it they did not repent of their sins; also, the blessings of the thousand year reign of Jesus (Millennial) and the final end times of all. Isaiah saw Jesus sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. the seraphims were crying out, "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.

*Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. (6:8)

Two divine declarations of the coming Messiah-Jesus Christ is found in 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.  Immanuel means "God with us."
Also, in 9:6 says, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Chapter 11 describes King Jesus during His Millennial reign on earth.
*Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. (12:2)

    B. Prophecies Against the Nations (13:1-23:18)

In verses 24-27, we read that when God thinks something, it will come to pass, when He purposes it, then no one can disannul it, for His hand is stretched out. Several nations are mentioned in those chapters.

    C. Predictions of the Great Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom (24:1-27:13)

*Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in the. Trust ye in the LORD for ever; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. (26:3-4)


    D. Perilous Woes Upon Israel and Judah (28:1-33:24)

This next verse is describing Jesus Christ as the precious corner stone, the sure foundation for our Christian life.
*Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. (28:16)

Are you waiting on the Lord's direction in your life today? Here is verse to encourage you to wait with confidence and trust in God.
*And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him. (30:18)

Friend, are you experiencing affliction or adversity? Take courage, for God will direct you and teach you through the circumstances of life. Hang in there.

*And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.  (30:20-21)

*For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us. (33:22)

    E. Predictions of the Great Tribulation and Millennial Kingdom (34:1-35:10)

So let's encourage the downtrodden, especially during this pandemic, for some of God's acts of judgment are acts of mercy.

*Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, He will come and save you. ((35:3-4)

*And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (35:10)

Folks, while we wait on Jesus to give us instructions and/or deliverance, praise and thank Him with songs of joy and gladness. Keep our focus on Jesus, not our sorrows and trials. We can do this, because there is nothing our God cannot do.
Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Which Road Are You On?

O. T. #1724  "Which Road Are You On?
July 1, 2020
Isaiah 66-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

There is a word which appears 5 times in just this chapter and 49 times in this book of Isaiah. Have you found it as you read through?
 It is the word glory, which means splendor, honor, in the Hebrew language.
God's glory is mentioned in verses 18 and 19. Israel will declare the Lord's glory and splendor.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains it this way:

It appears 45 times in the Old Testament always associated with a visible manifestation of God. This is directly related to God's self-disclosure and His desire to dwell among men. This reference should be taken in relation to the preaching of the gospel. As the gospel of Jesus Christ and men come to know Him they come to experience His glory dwelling in them personally.

It is so amazing that a holy God and Creator would have a personal relationship with you and me.
Gentiles will continue to be converted to Christianity, as will as the Jews, now and during the Millennium reign of Christ.

We know that the Most High God dwells not in temples made with hands, but in the hearts of believers. It is not the outward rites of worship which pleases God, but those who worship Him in spirit and in truth wholeheartedly.

One day we will see our God in all His splendor and glory. What a day that will be. That gives us something to look forward to, folks.  Let the redeemed of the Lord Jesus say amen!


LET IT GROW

In Romans 14:10, Paul tells us For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ; and verse 12 says, So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Then Jesus quoted Isaiah  45:23 in Romans 14:11, As I live, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

All will confess Jesus Christ is LORD. Those who refuse to do so will be cast into outer darkness. It is the place where their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched. (verse 24)

We read this again in Mark 9:44 and Revelation 20:14-15.

Every believer is responsible for personal witnessing and soul-winning. There is a real hell to be avoided, and all those who do not receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior shall go there. There is a road that leads to heaven and a road that leads to hell.
Which road are you on dear one?

May the blessing of the Lord always rest upon you in hope, joy, and victory! (Dayspring)

LET IT GO
Please Jesus, save all who read this post today.
You are the only way to heaven, the truth, and life.
No one comes to the Father except through You.