Jer. 27 [The Message]

When we play chess, we sit down and consider how to move our pieces. It must be similar for the Lord. He looks at nations and people groups and does what He wants to with them. His decisions are based upon the obedience or disobedience of their constituents, their inhabitants, and too often the conduct of their leaders. It’s not really our place to try to figure why He does what He does. It’s our place to pray and live lives of obedience and worship.

God ALSO bases His moves on what He hears His people praying.

If my people which are called by My Name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [2 Chron. 7:14]

Jer. 26 [The Message]

We always consider that a message from the pulpit that leaves us excited and positive is a good message. This is true to a certain extent. Jeremiah was VERY UNPOPULAR because his message really ruffled feathers. He called out the sin and hypocrisy of Jerusalem’s inhabitants. Although a court of religious officials acquitted him, he could have lost his life.

David Wilkerson presented an unpopular message to the Church back in the 70s. It was called The Vision. Many still call it a false prophecy, but elements of it have come true. He primarily called out the sin of New York City and America’s slide from grace.

Christ’s message was unpopular to many. When He overturned the tables of the money-changers in the Temple, He created quite an uproar.

Preachers who harp on sin usually have small congregations. So, they give up the pastorate and become an evangelist.

Simply and profoundly, the messenger is responsible to God to give it as he/she received it … in love that is.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [2 Tim 2:24]

Jer. 24-26 [The Message]

This was some of the essence of what my Transplant Doctor said to me yesterday. First of all, we are glad he shared that my cancer remission is holding. I am to keep to the medicine regimen I’m on. But, if I want more energy, I need to exercise more. Patty will help me get on more of a disciplined way of living. Hopefully, results will follow.

How about you? Are there some ruts in your spiritual life? NOW is a good time to change. Establish daily spiritual exercise … time in God’s Word and prayer. Be faithful to church. Get involved in a small group Bible study. GOOD RESULTS will follow.

Jer. 22, 23 [The Message]

As Jeremiah was prophesying about Christ, he identified the fact that undersheperds need t round up the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold. After all, they are the Lord’s sheep and don’t belong to the undershepherds. In fact, a GOOD shepherd will leave the 99 and go retrieve the lost sheep.

It seems to me that pastors may spend too much effort on attracting the healthy sheep at the cost of allowing the unhealthy ones to remain out in danger. Rescuing dirty, rebellious sheep is hard work. SOMEBODY needs to do it.

Jer. 20, 21 [The Message]

New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle … we’ve witnessed the decay and degradation of many prominent cities recently. We must value them more than God does. He allowed Jerusalem to be downtrodden and burned by the Babylonians. We hear in the news that even Nazareth, Christ’s hometown, is in trouble right now.

Sin. It’s the one-word reason for their corruption and loss of prestige. You can’t keep kicking against God’s principles and His messengers and go merrily on your way.

Jer. 19 [The Message]

Jeremiah’s message was to Jews who were NOT GUILTLESS. In fact, many of their grievous sins were against innocent children. Children were offered to the heathen god Molech in the valley of Hinnom. It was called Tophet. It prefigured Gehenna Hell. I AM pro-Israel, but they are not without fault. The wholesale anti-Semitism in our country and world right now turn my stomach, and it must be stopped. We pray. We express our support for the Jews. (Both of my cancer doctors are Jews.) Some of the most productive research and advancements against cancer are coming from Israel.

Yes, meanwhile we keep praying!!!

Jer. 18 [The Message]

It was at the potter’s house that Jeremiah was inspired to write these words when he saw that the lump of clay could only be destroyed when it didn’t cooperate with the potter.

The potter has power over the clay. When the clay has different plans for its purpose, the Master Potter must nullify those plans and start over. the Apostle Paul had HIS plans for his life, but Christ had different plans. Aren’t we all glad that a Bright Light from Heaven knocked him off his horse, asked him why he kept kicking against God’s messages, and turned his life in a Godly direction?

How about you, friend? God has a marvelous plan for your life. Just utter the words little Samuel replied to God … “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”

Jer. 17 [The Message]

Eventually, cheaters will have their sin exposed. The pain incurred far surpasses the advantage they obtain. It’s JUST NOT WORTH IT.

Cheating on your mate has to be nearly the worst cheating there is. It breaks hearts, families, trust, and hope for the future. Forgiveness is critical. If the offended party does not forgive, they are placing themselves in a trap that keeps closing in on them. Freedom comes through forgiveness. No sense in dragging an offense around with you for the rest of your life.

Jer. 16 [The Message]

God’s Word makes it clear that the Jews won’t be removed from their land … ever. HE gave it to them. Although He may be upset with their idolatry and disobedience, He will honor His Word.

The Old Testament is full of stories about kings and peoples threatening them. Only the Babylonians succeeded in a temporary exile, but it was still THEIR LAND.

If you’ve given your life to Christ, Heaven is YOUR LAND. We, in effect, are strangers here and Heaven is our destination and home. Paul said, “Set your affection on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. [Col. 3:1]

Jer. 15 [The Message]

Jeremiah lived a tough life. Nevertheless, his life and teachings had a profound effect on the future development of both Judaism and Christianity. Although his words fell mostly on deaf ears, he was faithful to proclaim the message God gave him. He provided us the clearest glimpse of the new covenant God intended to make with His people once Christ came to earth. No Rolls-Royces to drive, no mansion to live in, no world-wide TV ministry, just a life dedicated to obedience to God whatever the consequences.

In comparison, we are SO BLESSED. As we consider this outstanding person, we should commit ourselves to similar lives of purpose and sacrifice for God’s Kingdom.