Deliver…

Deliver…

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. ~ Psalm 119:153-154

King David penned some wonderful words for those who are suffering in affliction and hardship; and I feel led to share them this morning:

Psalm 34:15-20 (NIV)

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

We can look back through the OT Scriptures and see the hand of God Almighty deliver His people … His treasured possession … from those who would oppress them with hardship and afflict them with injustice. Yes, the righteous cry out for the tender mercies of God to deliver them from their troubles, and His ear is attentive to their sighs and prayers. Have you ever prayed like David did?

Psalm 31:2-5 (NIV)

Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my sovereign shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Oh, my friend, do you not know today that the Lord is the Mighty God who delivers you? It is He who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:3) The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) And Jesus is calling you today to come to Him. For He will deliver you! He will heal you! He will set you free! Jesus asks you to trust Him and to believe. For He is full of compassion and ready to deliver you from all your affliction. Yes, He says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Seek the Lord this morning … while He may be found. He is your refuge and strength; an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) He declares to you: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4) Indeed, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Affliction…

Affliction…

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. ~ 2 Timothy 4:5

Affliction … a cause of persistent pain or distress. It can be the source of hardship or great suffering. We associate it with difficulty, trouble, trial, tribulation, agony, and travail. In other words, affliction is most uncomfortable and we desire to avoid it at all costs. And yet, for believers, affliction and hardship … trial and tribulation … serve a purpose in the development and growth of our faith.

As Paul and Barnabas made their missionary rounds, they spent time strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. They reminded new converts and local leadership, “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) Indeed, a follower of Christ should expect to endure afflictions of all kinds is their service to Him. As Jesus taught: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Jesus said in the end times His followers would be not only persecuted but put to death … hated by all nations because of Him. (Matthew 24:9) Yet, Paul would later pose: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Indeed, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19) And we would do well to remember the afflictions we suffer are often used by the Lord to correct and discipline us. (Hebrews 12:4-8)

James advised: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) This is easier said than done; however, the end result will be worth it. As Peter encouraged: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter:6-7)

My friends, do not loose heart as you endure affliction in this life. “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. So, we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

This is my comfort in my affliction: Your word has revived me and given me life. ~ Psalm 119:50 (Amplified)

Have a Blessed Day!

Thanksgiving…

Thanksgiving…

With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: “He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (Ezra 3:11)

After returning to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon, the foundation of a new temple was laid and there was a time of praise and thanksgiving among the people! I am reminded of how our faith is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22)

I marvel at how centuries before Christ, Isaiah prophesied: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. (Isaiah 28:16) He foresaw that Jesus, the stone the builders rejected, would become the cornerstone of a temple made without hands! Peter affirmed this as well: “As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)

Paul used this metaphor in his letter to the believers in Corinth:

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

Indeed, Jesus is the cornerstone and the head of His Church! He is the founder and the finisher of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2) Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and exalt Him with music and song! (Psalm 95:2) For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. (Nehemiah 12:46) Let us follow their footsteps! Let us praise His Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving! (Psalm 69:30)

My friends, I pray you will have a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for all the ways God has blessed us! Yes, Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever! (Psalm 106:1) And, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Have a Blessed Day!

Refuge…

Refuge…

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1-2)

I have been under the weather with influenza this week; and a dear friend and prayer warrior shared a prayer that reminded me: “God is my refuge.” It was a timely word … a needed word … to encourage me as I walk through this valley. As I deal with the symptoms and malaise of this virus, I have found that my time of isolation has proven fruitful. I have taken time to meditate on what it means to have God as my refuge and my strength. For indeed, He is a shield … a protective cover … for all who make their refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

If you or someone you know are being oppressed by a spirit of infirmity, I encourage you to read these verses below and let them settle on your heart:

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. ~ Psalm 31:3-5

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. ~ Psalm 36:7-9

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. ~ Psalm 57:1

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ~ Psalm 59:16

My salvation and my honor depend on God Most-High; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:7-8

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most-High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2

My friends, let us take all of our infirmities in prayer before the Lord and His throne of grace. Let us find our refuge in Him … our ever-present help in times of trouble. In the shadow of His wings, we will find mercy and strength for the day. Indeed, His love is unfailing, and He is the fountain of life for all who drink.

Have a Blessed Day!

Forgive…

Forgive…

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

The New Covenant declared by God through His prophet is founded upon His decision to forgive the sins of His people. God provided His atonement through the blood of His Son, Jesus, who confirmed: “This cup is the New Covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Cf. Luke 22:14-20) And the Apostle John would later affirm:

1 John 4:9-11 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

To forgive requires action! It means to cease feeling resentment against an offender. It means to grant relief or release someone from payment of a debt that is owed. And so, God promised that He would remember our sins no more, and He paid the debt of our sins and transgressions. I have heard some say “our sin debt was cancelled”; but I believe it is more accurate to say it was “paid in full!” Yes, we were bought at a price! We were redeemed with His precious blood! (Cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19)

When Jesus taught about prayer, He included: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Cf. Matthew 6:8-13) But then, Jesus added, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Verses 14-15) Yes, to forgive requires action! It requires a decision. It requires love … because love keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul shared with Timothy, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT) Therefore, my friends, as Paul admonished: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

Have a Blessed Day!

Worthy…

Worthy…

You must revere the Lord your God and worship Him and hold fast to Him. Your oaths must be in His name alone. He alone is your God, the only One who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. (Deuteronomy 10:20-21 NLT)

Worthy is a term meant to define great merit, character or value; and yet, I feel those descriptions are inadequate for the undefinable honor and glory due to our God and Creator. He is infinitely valuable! His worth has no limit! Indeed, the Lord our God is the only One who is worthy of our praise! There is no other!

I love the heartfelt worship that King David appointed for the Israelites in 1 Chronicles 16. Here is an excerpt for our meditation this evening:

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. (23-27)

Indeed, it is right for us to offer the utmost honor, glory, and reverence due our God. As Paul declared: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) But do we ever ponder what it means to be worthy of God? Do we consider what it means to live worthy of our Lord Jesus? In Matthew 10:37-39, Jesus provided some thought-provoking insight: “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

My friends, I believe it is important for us to distinguish between “being worthy” and “living a worthy life”. Though as sinners we are not worthy of the mercy of God, His gracious love has deemed us worthy of the atonement and salvation provided through His Son. (Romans 5:6-10) Therefore, in view of His mercy, we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – for this is our true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)

In some of his other epistles, Paul was prompted to pray for believers to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ … to please the Lord Jesus in every way … to live a life worthy of the calling they received in Jesus. I encourage you to read the following links for these references:

Ephesians 4:1-3 Philippians 1:27 Colossians 1:9-12 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Have a Blessed Day!

God Is Our Refuge…

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

We all face a myriad of challenges in this life. Our world continues to be plagued with viruses, famines, military upheavals, violence, political conflicts, and general unrest. But our Verse of the Day is a great reminder of the refuge we have in God! When our world seems upside down and our hardships feel overwhelming, God calls us to Himself. Like David we cry: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Cf. Psalm 57:1) We are not able to carry the burdens we face in this life alone; and so, Jesus encourages us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Cf. Matthew 11:28-30)

I just want to encourage you to know that God is ever present in your life … in your soul … in your inner being. He will help you when you are troubled at any time. Just get still before Him and ask Him to speak to you. He already knows your situation and your circumstances, so really all you need to do is listen and believe. Trust Him! The Father loves you more than you can comprehend! And if you ever doubt His love for you, then pray for faith. Ask Jesus to help you overcome your unbelief. (Cf. Mark 9:24) He is willing and able to meet you where you are. Just run into His arms and let His embrace give you assurance. He is ever present!

My friends, I pray for any of you who have become weary or discouraged. I urge you to let Jesus be your refuge and your strength … for He is! You and I will not make it through this life on our own … ever! So, just rest in Jesus, and let Him fight the battles for you. Oh, how we need a refuge in these times … a place of comfort … the presence of God to surround us … when nothing makes sense anymore. Yes, I ask You, Lord Jesus, to give us rest in our souls! Indeed, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your Word.” (Psalm 119:28) How desperately we need you, Lord Jesus – You who are our Comforter in sorrow, when our hearts are faint within us. (Cf. Jeremiah 8:18)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Transparency with God…

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

At first glance, our Verse of the Day provides us encouragement as Jesus shares how the Father values each one of us. The idiom or metaphor of numbering the hairs on our heads indicates that our Heavenly Father knows us intimately. He is aware of our every problem, every need, every situation … and is concerned about every aspect of our lives. It is reflective of what King David encouraged: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Cf. Psalm 55:22) And Peter recounted this truth when he wrote: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (Cf. 1 Peter 5:7)

But what I found challenging is the surrounding context in which our passage is found. I’ll reprint it here for us:

Luke 12:1-12 (NIV)

¹ Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to His disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ²There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

⁴“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him. ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

⁸“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ⁹But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. ¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ¹¹“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

This larger context creates some theological tension for us. First, we are warned about the deception of hypocrisy in our lives. Jesus indicates it will be exposed. Then He shifts to “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more; rather, fear the One who has authority over your eternal destiny. Yes, fear Him!” Then we are assured that God knows us intimately and we are valued, and He encouraged: “Do not be afraid.” Then we are admonished regarding our profession of faith and its impact upon our forgiveness. I mean, there is a lot to consider here. But the question that comes to my mind is whether each one of these “teachings” are directly connected to the other, or if they are simply being presented by Luke as a “list” of teachings that Jesus was communicating to those who gathered to hear Him … similar to how we see various Proverbs being presented.

When I read the commentaries of some notable bible scholars on Luke 12, I could not find a consensus on the question I posed. Some commentators broke out each “discourse” within Luke 12:1-12 as I have outlined them here as separate “small sermons.” The idea is that each topic has its own application as we allow the teachings of Jesus to impact us. Notice how Jesus begins each “topic” with the words: “I tell you.” To me this indicates a separation of thoughts or messages; however, I find here an overall theme of how our relationship with God is to be viewed, understood, and expressed. And, perhaps, that is what our application should be … understanding that our fellowship with God through the Lord Jesus must be based on truth and sincere faith. We do not have to be afraid of our future if we have reverence for God and place our complete trust in Christ Jesus. To me, this is the core message being taught by Jesus. Jesus is affirming that we can trust Him, but we must be humble and honest in our willingness to confess Him as Lord! When tested (and we will be tested), the evidence of sincere faith will be manifested to all. Our true faith will be exposed and will be seen by those around us … as it is already known to God.

So, I think this is an important lesson for us to embrace. The truth will always be exposed in the light. There is no place for hypocrisy with God. We deceive ourselves if we think our hidden sins are not known. We might fool people, but we will never fool God. He knows and sees all things done in secret. And so, perhaps, that is the warning for us to fear God … the One who has authority over our eternity after our physical death here on earth. Our faith is being tested each day … each situation … each choice or decision we make for ourselves. And I believe this passage instructs us to view our relationship with God in this context of truth and light. God knows each of us intimately; and He desires us to know Him intimately as well. I believe it is best to start with complete honesty with God and ourselves. If the Spirit is prompting repentance, then follow through with it. As John advised: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make God out to be a liar and His word is not in us.” (Cf. 1 John 1:8-10)

Lord Jesus, thank you for your words that challenge us today. As we consider what you are teaching, I pray each of us will self-examine our hearts and see the truth you have brought to light. May our hearts embrace all you have spoken, and may we put it into practice. In your wonderful, powerful name, I pray. Amen….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:5

Ah, Sovereign Lord…

Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Our Verse of the Day affirms God as the creator of everything and sovereign over all His works. But if we look at the surrounding context, we will see that Jeremiah prayed this prayer in the midst of an impending national crisis. The remnant people of Israel were being invaded and taken over by the Babylonian Empire because of their unfaithfulness to God; and yet, he is buying land (while in prison) as a display of his trust in the ultimate mercy and goodness and faithfulness of God to redeem and restore His people:

Jeremiah 32:8-23 (NIV)

I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the silver on the scales. I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy— and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their presence I gave Baruch these instructions: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both the sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.’ After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord:

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve. You performed signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours. You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. You gave them this land that you had sworn to give their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So, you brought all this disaster on them.

The disaster that Jeremiah speaks of is the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and the land of Judah. Indeed, God brought judgment upon His people for their disobedience to His covenant; but there is still hope for a future. If you go back to the famous passage (most of us can quote it) from Chapter 29, we can see the confidence Jeremiah had in the promises of God to restore His people once again.

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

We are not told, but perhaps the cousin was selling his land to Jeremiah out of fear; or maybe, just survival. I would think there was all kinds of distress at the time because of King Nebuchadnezzar and his ensuing armies. But I believe Jeremiah saw the situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his confidence in the prophetic words of God to restore a remnant of believers after His justice has been meted out. Buying the land with the intent to possess it after the exile offered hope and encouragement to those around him; and perhaps, to those who otherwise distrusted Jeremiah’s prophecies and the instructions from God concerning the exile.

My friends, I believe there is an application for us in this generation as we see and experience economic distress and the travails of upheaval coming upon our land … even the world. Could the unrest and tribulation be judgment for the unbelief, rebellion, and hostility toward God in our culture? Perhaps. God has been more than patient with the sin and unrighteousness of this nation! He has not treated us as our iniquities deserve. (Cf. Psalm 103) Yes, there will be a day of wrath … a day of judgment. And so, we are admonished to persevere so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Cf. Hebrews 10:36-37) As Peter advised: The Lord is patient and not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (Cf. 2 Peter 3:9)

For me, Jeremiah has presented a prophetic metaphor that speaks to our faith in the power and promises of God for those who love Him. Indeed, we should be investing in the Kingdom of God “now” to be received in the Kingdom of God “not yet”. Our devotion and service to God now … as we engage with a rebellious culture … serves to demonstrate our faith in God’s word and His promise of redemption and resurrection! In other words, we should not be fearful or distressed by what we can already see is coming upon this nation (and the world) in these latter days; rather, we should be prepared and at work for the harvest … being confident in the gracious love of God for those who have placed their faith in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” (Citing Isaiah 64:4) – the things God has prepared for those who love Him— these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

I am hopeful the application is discernable to us. In the midst of tribulation, we need to stay positive and active – confident in the future God has planned for us. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) Yes, I think we need to respond to our current circumstances like Jeremiah did in his generation … forward-looking and trusting in the Almighty God who is for us and not against us … believing in the loving, compassionate Father who has planned an inconceivable future for us!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ~ John 14:1-4

His Way Is Perfect…

Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.

Our Verse of the Day can also be found at 2 Samuel 22:31. In fact, 2 Samuel 22 captures Psalm 18 in its entirety … for those of you interested in bible trivia. This Psalm is prefaced with these words:

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

¹I love you, Lord, my strength. ²The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ³I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies….

Psalm 18 – Excerpts

¹⁶He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. ¹⁷He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. ¹⁸They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. ¹⁹He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

²⁵To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, ²⁶to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. ²⁷You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

³⁰As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. ³¹For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? ³²It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. ³³He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.

Oh, may each of us remember that our Heavenly Father is perfect in all of His ways! May we embrace the truth of His Word: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Cf. Psalm 12:6) “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Cf. Proverbs 30:5) Yes, God is our refuge and places a hedge of protection around those who love Him … a spiritual barrier around those who trust in Him! I fervently pray that we all embrace the truths His Word has proclaimed….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. ~ Job 23:10-12