While reading Jeremiah, we are dismayed by how much punishment God inflicts upon Israel because of their backsliding, idolatry, and disobedience. It was Jeremiah’s job to point the nation’s sin out to them. How heavy a task it must have been.

Yet, God always provided a way for repentance and return. In the same way that a doctor diagnoses our physical problems, he may point out why we’ve provoked painful symptoms, but will prescribe a solution or medication for healing.

Jesus said the sick need a physician. God wants to point our our error and put us on the path to healing and wholeness again. He is not willing that any perish.

READ:  Jer. 11-14

Jeremiah refers to the “circumcision of the heart.” The heart pumps blood to every portion of the body, and is the most vital organ we have. He refers here to a lifestyle whereby every portion of our life has had the self-serving, sin-loving element removed. We are marked forever, and although this surgery can’t be seen with the naked eye, its impact registers on every thought, deed, and word.

READ: Jer. 9,10

Jeremiah laments over the waywardness of God’s people. They follow the ways of their hearts which walk away from God to idolatry, greed, and even human sacrifice. He poses the heavy question, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?

Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Actually, apart from Him, we self-destruct.

READ: Jer. 6-8

So was the Lord’s admonition to Jerusalem because God’s eyes continually look for truth. Our eyes seem to continually look for opportunities for our advantage. This is a big difference between our carnal nature and God’s holy nature.

When we realize how important each little motive of our heart resounds in heaven, we begin the quest for a revival lifestyle. True revival is when the masses come to this awakening and begin living it.

Lord, send a mighty revival to our nation.

READ: Jer. 4, 5

God is always pleading for straying children to come back to Him.  How it must grieve Him to watch His children to whom He has given a Savior continue to refuse His love and forgiveness.

Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavily loaded down with the pains of this life. I WILL give you rest.” [Matt. 11:28]

It’s never too late to do the right thing.

READ: Jer. 2,3

The first chapter of Jeremiah is compelling … how God’s Word came to this young man with specific instructions on what to do with what God spoke to him.

God wants to speak to each person with specific instructions and inspiration for their life. In that he was a priest, we conclude that his life was already devoted to God’s service.

God is more anxious to speak to us than we are to listen. Devote yourself to Him and begin listening.

READ: Is. 65-6; Jeremiah 1

Isaiah 64:1 pens the classic prayer that should be on the lips of evangelical Christians … “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down.” God is looking for those who seek Him and the completeness of His kingdom.

Pray that His Kingdom would penetrate every area of your life … your home, your place of employment, your church, your loved ones, your neighborhood, your personal life of devotion to Him.

READ: Is. 61-64

Impartially upholding God’s goodness and opposing sin are elements of Biblical justice. It keeps company with righteousness, truth, and honesty. Christians are to seek justice and the One who brings true justice, Christ Jesus. Found in Him is the perfect balance of righteousness and peace, mercy and truth.

Seeking and allowing His Spirit to rule our daily lives causes us to be the salt and light that this generation so desperately needs.

Justice is Godly. Fairness is a human concept.

READ: Is. 58-60

Written around 600 years before Christ, Isaiah is often called the “Fifth Gospel.” Its words apply today as much as ever. God’s Word has the unique ability to eclipse being limited to a historical yesteryear and can relate to contemporary issues of faith and Godly living.

God’s Word to us must line up with the total package … we can’t isolate a scripture and bend its meaning to suit our personal doctrine. One of the great beauties of reading through the entire Bible is that one cultivates a perspective gained by reading “All scripture.”

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16

READ: Is. 54-57

Christ Jesus paid the entire penalty for our sin with His death. He suffered so that we would not have to. When we do suffer, we are wise to remember Him and the awesome cost of our salvation. The Heavenly Father laid IT ALL upon Him. What a Savior!

READ: Is. 51-53