Jeremiah’s message to his scribe, Baruch, was this; “Don’t seek great things for yourself.”

In essence, God had plays in motion, and Baruch’s ambition would simply put him at risk. God promised that He would let Baruch escape disaster by trusting the Lord.

God always knows what’s best for us. As we hold our place and do our best, the Lord is free to position us as He sees fit.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for thinking we know what’s best. You do. We will trust and not be afraid.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 45-48

Jeremiah warned the remnant Jews to stay in the land of Judah and avoid fleeing to Egypt. It seemed safer than to stay and risk further devastation by the king of Babylon. Yet, the option that appeared safer was actually the dangerous one.

God’s life instructions insure that it will “Go well” for us. Appearances are often misleading. God knows what’s best. Pay attention to His leading.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, lead us in the way everlasting. You are the great Shepherd of our souls. Keep us safe in the days to come.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 41-44

Jerusalem’s king and leaders refused to heed Jeremiah’s instructions to flee the city before the Babylonians came. Because they discredited him, they were either killed or humiliated.

God’s instructions to us are for our good. Pay attention to his servants. Pay attention to His Word.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for our rebellions. Redeem us today. Heal our hearts and grace us to be obedient.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 38-40

Jeremiah suffered greatly for merely being faithful to record what God had spoken to him about the captivity. Nevertheless, he had the opportunity to live long enough to see his words come to pass.

We are wise to hold faithfully to God’s Word, even though it may bring pain. As we allow His truth to pierce our soul, we are  cleansed and given a path to restoration.

DAILY PRAYER: Father, let me hear clearly Your W0rds of Life. I build my life upon them.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 35-37

God’s new agreement with His people is not only new, it’s everlasting. Never more will Jerusalem be over-trodden. Never more will another earthly king be over the City of David.

The most inspiring element of the New Covenant is that God Himself will insure its success by Himself performing the responsibility of His people. “I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.” [Jer. 32:40]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, live in us. Dwell in us. Let Your righteousness be demonstrated through our lives. The glory belongs to You.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 32-34

How strange it must have been to the ears of Jews in the time of Jeremiah, the talk of a completely new agreement between God and His people. Instead of the law being written on stone or paper, it would be inscribed in their hearts. All would know the Lord instead of a select few. Little did they realize that the prophet was speaking of the relationship now available to New Testament believers.

Our response should be to take full advantage of this last days opportunity God has given us. We pray, “Lord, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done.”

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah not only prophesied the exile of the Jews, but the restoration. His spiritual vision included the natural restoration of Israel, but also the much more consequential restoration of the future Kingdom of God with Jesus as King.

God’s restoration process is so overwhelming that we can’t even compare the original. We merely remember from whence we have come and glorify God Who does all things well.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I need a restoration. Into Your hands I commit my life and spirit.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 28-30

Let’s take a break from Jeremiah for a day.

The writer of Romans says, “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” [8:28]

Not only did God have an overarching plan for all those Christ died for, but He has an individual plan for your life. In reading Romans 8, we become aware that life’s challenges are no match for the loving power God exerts in our lives to fit us into His plan.

Just say “Yes.”

DAILY PRAYER: Thank You, Jesus, for removing the penalty of my sin, and giving me a chance to please You with my life.  I give You my heart.

DAILY READING: Romans 8

Even though Jerusalem was destined to be burned and overtaken, the inhabitants were advised to “Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.”

It’s as if God was saying through Jeremiah, “Here is something you can do on a daily basis that pleases Me.” It give us insight into a part of God’s nature that He considers very important.

He seems to hate oppression.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give me sensitivity to be aware of oppression that needs to cease. Give me courage to minister Your peace to the oppressed.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 24-27

God instructed Jeremiah through what he saw at the potter’s shop. So often in scripture, our lives are likened to pots or earthen vessels.

The shaping process, the usefulness, the variety, and the ability to remake broken vessels speak of the process of life we experience. We see God as the Master Potter and all we are merely vessels to be shaped and used.

We are often tempted to try our hand at the shaping process, but we wisely conclude that only He can make lives significant and useful. Therefore, the re-emphasis on the need for and power of prayer.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for trying to be potters. Teach us to cooperate with Your will for each individual life we have responsibility for.

DAILY READING: Jeremiah 17-19