Jer. 5

The prophet was instructed to walk around Jerusalem trying to find someone who was truthful in their interactions. It’s implied that he couldn’t find even one. How sad.

You feel clean when you are honest.

I’m sortof shopping for an SUV that I can easily get in and out of. Talking to car salesmen leaves me wondering what shortcomings they’re NOT telling me about their vehicle. Hope they can sleep at night.

Jer. 3

The prophet expresses the Lord’s frustration over the adulterous behavior of Israel, but clearly states God’s desire for them to RETURN to Him.

So it is with adulterers … God says, “Return to me.” He wants to forgive them and restore their fellowship with Him.

Jer. 2

If God can lead millions of Hebrews from Egypt to their new home in the Promised Land, surely He can lead YOU into His best for your life.

The Jews probably thought … “We can think of a better way than forging right into the Red Sea to get away from Pharoah. WRONG!!!

What personal decisions are you in facing today? That same God will take your hand and walk you right in to His will for your life. He sees all.

Jeremiah 1

Patty and I are anxiously awaiting the birth of our first great grandchild. What God said about Jeremiah indicates God’s active interest and hand in shaping the life of unborn children.

I think of the Sunday School song I learned at a very early age … “Jesus loves the little children … they are precious in His sight.”

I can’t wait to announce this beloved child’s birth. Stay tuned.

Isaiah 66

This chapter must be a prophecy about God’s activity in our earth at the end of earth’s days and the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth.

All the while, God has chosen to live WITHIN US. “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men.” [Rev. 21;3]

Isaiah 64

What can WE do to see revival come? We can plead with the Lord for a visitation. Nobody comes to the Lord except the Spirit draws him.

Let’s pray for an irresistible pull from God’s Holy Spirit that brings all we care about to a salvation moment with Christ.

A good friend of mine passed yesterday. Daryl Sanders and I started Zion Christian Fellowship in 1984 in Columbus. Ohio. R.I.P.

Isaiah 61

It must have been an exciting day that Jesus stood up to read Isaiah’s words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” According to Luke 4, it happened in the synagogue in Nazareth, Christ’s hometown.

My tour of the Holy Land did not include a stop in Nazareth, but we did sit in the synagogue in Capernaum, which probably had a similar feel.

The importance is not in historical correctness. It’s in what happens in our hearts as we read or hear those Words. His Spirit is ALIVE, and it’s IN US.

Isaiah 58

This passage is the most complete scripture on the subject of fasting. It’s most appealing when we read of the powerful impact fasting can have.

Self denial chastens our flesh, but registers loudly in Heaven. We need more of it.

Isaiah 55

Tha prophet declared, “All who are thirsty, come.”

Some of those I pray for don’t appear to want or need to come closer to God. I will hereby adjust my prayer to seek that they will develop a consuming thirst for the Lord. On the surface, they appear content. My aim is below the surface to their deepest human needs and desires.

The Lord deals with hearts. [Ps. 7:9]

Isaiah 53

When I hear this chapter, I frequently weep. (Go to http://www.biblegateway.com and hear it in the NIV Dramatized Audio version.)

All we can say is, “Hallelujah! What a Savior.” We will look upon Him someday soon, see the naiprints in His hands, and fall down and worship Him.