Jer. 4, 5

God’s displeasure and judgement fell upon Israel for many reasons. One significant reason was that parents spent their time pursuing their own pleasures rather than teaching their children to love and obey God.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. [Pr. 29:15]

When children are groomed for Christianity early in life, they will reap the blessings only God can give. Parents thereby enjoy a lifetime of honor rather than shame.

Jer. 3

Israel’s unfaithfulness to God pained Him much like the pain of unfaithful adultery in marriage. Conversely, their faithfulness and obedience to Him was His great desire.

Christians are wise to seek moral purity and faithfulness to their mates to enjoy the blessing of a trusting human relationship. It’s heavenly.

Jeremiah 2

God used Jeremiah to speak to the nation of Israel.

The U.S. needs a prophet to speak to our nation. God-ordained prophets speak His words to leaders and people groups so they can have the chance to repent and turn to Him.

Lord, hear our prayer for a clear voice to our nation. Have mercy, Lord. We need a visitation from YOU!

Jeremiah 1

What God said about Jeremiah is insight into His ability to plan our lives and equip us to perform that plan.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

We are mistaken when we think OUR plan for our life is significant. What is critical is OUR obedience to God’s appointment. And we can accomplish that only through His grace.

Is. 65, 66

Whether the Millennium or Heaven, the saints have better days ahead. Jesus said, “In this world you shall have tribulation.” Instead of the “Sweet by and by,” it’s the nasty “Now and now.”

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [Matt. 10:22]

Is. 64

“If only you would tear the heavens open and come down, so that mountains would quake at your presence,” was the desperate request of the prophet. Nothing polite here … an impatient plead to the owner of the universe.

Quite often circumstances need to get desperate before the saints begin crying out like the prophet described. Maybe we “soft” Christians living in the U. S. need some harsher conditions before we will really begin beseeching our Heavenly Father to dramatically intervene upon the spiritual climate of our nation,

Is. 61-63

Andrae Crouch wrote the song “Through It All” many years ago. It has been one of the great songs of encouragement for Christians. Isaiah wrote similar words over 700 years before Christ appeared. Again, a message from God to us that He will assist us in life to get to our destination.

When the Children of Israel peered over the Red Sea in their Exodus from Egypt, no doubt they were terrified at the prospect of crossing this formidable barrier preventing their freedom. Nevertheless, they proceeded at Moses’ command. God brought them though and consumed their enemies in the process.

What’s you process today? Trust God! He will bring you through.

Is. 60

I am one who believes you can replace the words “The Church” where you see Zion in the Old Testament. All that is physical will give way to the eternal and spiritual. God’s plans for Zion and references to it can’t be diminished to merely refer to the southwestern portion of Old Jerusalem. Yes, it was where David lived and maintained his deep, worship relationship with God. But if you go there today, it’s nothing more than an archeological dig exposing giant stones, walls, stairways and water passages. “Glorious things” were not spoken about physical stones … they were spoken of “living stones,” redeemed people … US!

Is. 59

As surely as a ball dropped to the ground exhibits the power or gravity, so will God’s retribution upon evil in the earth. He ordained ONE WAY for man to escape this painful retribution … salvation through belief in His Son, Christ Jesus.

Is. 58

This chapter is the Bible’s standard on fasting. It identifies the benefits of denying yourself food. It also helps the Christian engage is the proper fast with the proper motives that will deserve God’s response.

Spiritual disciplines such as fasting are rarely taught about. It’s not popular to teach about self-denial. It is, however, productive to teach upon and practice fasting.