Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet. His messages were often very critical of the idolatry and social injustice practiced by God’s people. He spoke of suffering, attack from enemies, and exile. His must have been a lonely and difficult existence.

Our words at times can be hard to be received, but God has called us to speak the truth in love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. [Pr. 27:6]

READ/HEAR: Jer. 14-16

Jeremiah had the distinct privilege of speaking for the Lord. His message was to Israel and nations as God directed. It was a fearful position to hold … speaking for God. It was not always popular. His life was threatened because of the pain his words brought upon his hearers. Nevertheless, he courageously spoke and wrote the words God gave him.

Whenever we quote scripture, we are, in effect, speaking for God. We don’t have license to sling it around for our own purposes. We are mandated to “rightly divide” it. That means interpret correctly. This ability is the result of study and the leading of the Holy Spirit when we speak to others.

“Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [2 Tim. 2:15]

READ/HEAR: Jer. 10-13

Humility is certainly preferred over pride in Christianity, but Jeremiah explains how we may boast … in the fact that we KNOW the Lord. Tucked away in the latter verses of chapter nine is a profound exclamation;

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me (the LORD).” [Jer. 9:23,24]

We boast in the Lord and we use wisdom, might, and riches to serve Him. If we boast in or bow down to them, they become idols that rob God of His full glory.

READ/HEAR: Jer. 7-9

What source can you find other than the Bible that can predict the future? There is none. It’s record is clear to see … the prophecies of Christ and many other facts are openly seen in the Word.

We are wise to be familiar with what God says about the end times by becoming personal students of God’s advice as revealed in His Word. God’s pattern is often, “This is that.” We we read or hear the Word, it becomes obvious what He is trying to say to us. The key is to keep reading it.

As my life keeps getting closer to its end, I am more mindful of the truly consequential issues of life … being faithful to God’s calling and purpose for our lives, and maintaining right relationships with those around us.

READ/HEAR: Jer. 4-6

The unfaithfulness of God’s people was usually characterized by their sexual sin. It damaged the land and their reputation. God sent prophets such as Jeremiah to call His people to return to Him.

Whereas people are unfaithful, God is ALWAYS  faithful. While we were yet in our sin, God faithfully provided Christ to pay the penalty for our sin and offer a way to return to Him. Christ is always calling and pulling on us to return to God and walk in faithful purity.

Being faithful to God’s Word, the local church, and to our family relationships are all ways we can express God’s faithfulness to our generation.

Blessed in the people whose God is the Lord. [Ps. 33:12]

READ/HEAR: Jeremiah 1-3

Isaiah spoke of new heavens and a new earth and a new Jerusalem. John, in his Revelation saw the same thing. New Jerusalem came down out of heaven. It was a 1500 mile cube and the Lord was its light. It was a place where God Himself lived with His people.

Our life here is preparation for that great day. Paul said we have no earthly concept of how great it will be to live there. We all have a glorious future with the Lord, those of us who are saved from the Lake of Fire which will have eternal torment.

We must not neglect so GREAT SALVATION. We must tell everyone we meet about it and Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

READ/HEAR: Is. 64-66

The prophet implored, “Give (God) no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.” [Is. 62:7]

Jerusalem speaks to us of the Church, the city of God. I’ve been to the actual city Jerusalem and it is great, but the Church is FAR more important. I believe that should be the object of our prayers. We should pray that God revives and establishes the Church in such a way that it will be the prominent people group in the earth.

Instead of being the joke or outcast of the earth, She should be the Praise of the earth.

READ/HEAR: Is. 61-63

This is an unattractive subject. Yet, fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be regularly practiced by most Christians.

One powerful benefit as explained in Isaiah 58 is that it breaks chains and yokes of spiritual strongholds. These are influences of evil that have control over people who are themselves powerless to break free from. When we experience these in-explainable irritations, maybe its time to deny ourselves some food and spend that time in prayer about the challenge.

Jesus Himself said, “This kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food.” [Matt. 17:21]

READ/HEAR: Is. 58-60

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!”

God is as close as the mention of His name in prayer. He is saying, “Come to Me, you who are thirsty. Come unto Me, all ye who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” [Is. 55; Matt. 11]

We are wise to call upon the Lord and be made right with Him while there is still opportunity. These are days of great spiritual opportunity. We and all we know and love should choose life in Jesus name.

READ/HEAR: Is. 55-57

The prophet Isaiah was used by God to speak to the nation of Israel. Yet, his messages pierce our hearts, the members of the 21st century. Much Christian doctrine is contained in his writings, and there is a timelessness to much of what he says. Jesus Himself quoted often from Isaiah.

Chapter 52 begins with a strong admonition to “Awake.” This emphatic command should be applied to the Church in America. Far too many of us are lulled into a carnal stupor by media, material possessions, idolatrous influences, and the pursuit of pleasure. Sadly, only when our comfortableness is challenged by trials do we begin to refocus upon spiritual and eternal priorities.

God uses these challenges to cause us to awaken to what He wants us to be doing. May our prayer be, “Lord, stir our lives and our nation once again. Bring a sweeping revival.”

READ/HEAR: Is. 52-54