Category Archives: Faithful

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Righteous, Seeking God

Finding Refuge in God’s Strength (Psalm 71)

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life’s storms, seeking refuge from the relentless waves of adversity?

Psalm 71 extends an invitation to take shelter in the unwavering strength of God, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

Reconnect: In Psalm 71, the psalmist continues to pour out their heart to God, seeking His protection and deliverance from enemies and afflictions. This heartfelt plea echoes themes of trust and dependence on God’s steadfast love, which have been evident throughout the Psalms.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 71

Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.

     1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed.

      2In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.

      3Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;
You have given commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.

      4Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,

      5For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.

      6By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.

      7I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge.

      8My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.

      9Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
Do not forsake me when my strength fails.

      10For my enemies have spoken against me;
And those who watch for my life have consulted together,

      11Saying, “God has forsaken him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver.”

      12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, hasten to my help!

      13Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

      14But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

      15My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.

      16I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

      17O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

      18And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.

      19For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?

      20You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

      21May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.

      22I will also praise You with a harp,
Even Your truth, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

      23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You;
And my soul, which You have redeemed.

      24My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;
For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Seeking God’s Protection: The psalmist fervently implores God to be their refuge and stronghold in times of trouble. Amidst the plots of enemies and the onslaught of adversity, they find solace in God’s unwavering presence and protection.
  2. Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness: Through a retrospective lens, the psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness throughout their life, from their earliest days to the present moment. This reflection serves as a source of encouragement and a reminder of God’s enduring love and care.
  3. Declaring God’s Righteousness: Amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life, the psalmist boldly declares God’s righteousness and praises Him for His mighty works. In doing so, they reaffirm their trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise.

Call to Action:

As we meditate on Psalm 71, let us:

  • Seek Refuge in God: In moments of trial and distress, let us turn to God as our refuge and strength, trusting in His unfailing love and protection.
  • Reflect on His Faithfulness: Take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life, remembering His past provisions and deliverances as a source of hope for the future.
  • Declare His Righteousness: Like the psalmist, let us boldly declare God’s righteousness and praise Him for His mighty works, even in the midst of adversity.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. As we reflect on Psalm 71, may we find renewed confidence in Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Grant us the courage to declare Your righteousness and praise You in all circumstances. In Your holy name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God

Trust in God’s Promises and Magnify the LORD (Luke 1)

Have you ever marveled at the unfolding of divine promises, seeing them come to fruition in unexpected ways and at unexpected times?

Perhaps you have struggled as you wait for divine promises to unfold in your life, wondering if or when they will take place.

In Luke 1, we enter into the extraordinary narrative of God’s plan for redemption, where His promises to His people are fulfilled in remarkable ways. Join us as we explore the magnificence of Luke 1 and discover the profound significance of God’s faithfulness.

Reconnect: In the Gospel of Luke, we are introduced to a series of events that lead up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke, a meticulous historian and careful observer, presents a detailed account of God’s intervention in human history through the lives of ordinary individuals who played extraordinary roles in His divine plan.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 1

Introduction

      1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

      8Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 14“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. 16“And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

      18Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 19The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

      21The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.

      24After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37“For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

The Magnificat

46And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,

      47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

      48“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

      49“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

      50“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

      51“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

      52“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.

      53“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.

      54“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,

      55As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

      56And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

John Is Born

57Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

      59And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. 60But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 61And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.” 62And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. 63And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. 64And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 65Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. 66All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.

Zacharias’s Prophecy

67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

      68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

      69And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—

      70As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

      71Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;

      72To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,

      73The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,

      74To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,

      75In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

      76“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

      77To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,

      78Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

      79TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

      80And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Announcement of John the Baptist: Luke begins his Gospel by recounting the miraculous announcement of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah, a priest serving in the temple. Despite his old age and his wife Elizabeth’s barrenness, God promises them a son who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
  2. The Announcement of Jesus Christ: Following the announcement to Zechariah, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a humble young woman, a virgin, from Nazareth, to proclaim that she will conceive and bear a son who will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary’s faithful response, “Let it be to me according to your word,” demonstrates her profound trust in God’s plan.
  3. The Magnificat: Filled with joy and gratitude, Mary bursts into a song of praise known as the Magnificat, exalting God’s faithfulness and mercy. Her words reflect the deep faith of a humble servant who recognizes the profound significance of the role she has been called to fulfill.
  4. The Birth of John the Baptist: As the appointed time draws near, Elizabeth gives birth to a son, whom they name John. His miraculous birth signals the fulfillment of God’s promise and prepares the way for the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.

Call to Action: As we delve into the richness of Luke 1, let us:

  1. Embrace God’s Promises: Like Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, let us trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing.
  2. Magnify the Lord: May we, like Mary, magnify the Lord in our lives, offering Him our heartfelt praise and worship for His faithfulness and mercy.
  3. Prepare the Way: As we reflect on Christ’s birth, let us prepare our hearts to receive Him anew, embracing His redemptive work with humility and gratitude.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the remarkable events recorded in Luke 1, which testify to Your faithfulness and love for Your people. Grant us the grace to trust in Your promises, to magnify Your name in all we do, and to prepare our hearts to receive Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Learning To Pray Effectively, Merciful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms

Shelter in the Storm – Finding Peace Under God’s Wings (Psalm 57)

Step into the passionate verses of Psalm 57, where David, amidst the storm of adversity, finds solace in the shelter of the Almighty.

Join us on a journey through this soul-soothing psalm, discovering the timeless echoes of seeking refuge and finding hope in the midst of life’s storms.

(summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 57

Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.

      2I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.

      3He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.

Selah.

God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.

      4My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows
And their tongue a sharp sword.

      5Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

      6They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They dug a pit before me;
They themselves have fallen into the midst of it.

Selah.

      7My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!

      8Awake, my glory!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

      9I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to You among the nations.

      10For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens
And Your truth to the clouds.

      11Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Mercy in Adversity: Psalm 57 begins with David’s earnest plea for mercy as he takes refuge in God. The psalmist’s cry becomes a timeless expression of vulnerability and trust in the face of challenges.
  2. Wings of Shelter: David paints a vivid metaphor of finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wings—a powerful image that captures the protective and comforting nature of God’s presence in times of trouble.
  3. A Heart Fixed on God: Despite the adversity, David’s heart remains steadfast in praise. He expresses a commitment to awake the dawn with songs of gratitude, showcasing the transformative power of maintaining a worshipful spirit in difficult times.
  4. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness: The psalm concludes with a resounding declaration of confidence in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. David’s trust becomes a beacon of hope for all who navigate the storms of life.

As we immerse ourselves in Psalm 57, let’s reflect on the refuge we find in God amidst life’s storms.

How can we cultivate a heart fixed on praise, even in the midst of adversity?

Share your thoughts on finding shelter under God’s wings and the assurance that comes from trusting in His faithfulness.

Psalm 57 invites us to embrace hope and resilience, knowing that even in the tempest, we can find solace in the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let the echoes of Psalm 57 resonate in your heart.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Hope

Trust God’s Faithfulness Even in Hard Times

In Jeremiah 40, the Babylonians have conquered Jerusalem, and many of the Israelites have been taken into exile. Jeremiah, the prophet, is released from prison and given the choice to go to Babylon or stay in Judah. He chooses to stay and live among the remnant of the people left in the land.

Here are some lessons and themes from Jeremiah 40 that can be applied to our lives today:

  1. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: Despite the difficult circumstances and the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah trusts in God’s sovereignty. He accepts his situation and chooses to stay in the land, trusting that God has a purpose for him there. In our lives, we can learn to trust in God’s plan even when we face adversity.
  2. Making Choices: Jeremiah is given a choice in this chapter, and he carefully considers his options. We, too, often face choices in life, and it’s essential to seek God’s guidance and make choices that align with His will.
  3. Perseverance and Hope: Jeremiah’s decision to stay in Judah demonstrates perseverance and hope. Even in a difficult situation, he continues to fulfill his calling as a prophet. In our lives, we should also persevere in our faith and maintain hope even when facing adversity.

In summary, Jeremiah 40 teaches us about trust in God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness, the importance of making wise choices, and the need for perseverance and hope in challenging circumstances. These themes can provide guidance and encouragement for us in our lives today, reminding us of the enduring truths found in the Bible.

Jeremiah 40:1-12

Jeremiah Remains in Judah

      1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan captain of the bodyguard had released him from Ramah, when he had taken him bound in chains among all the exiles of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. 2Now the captain of the bodyguard had taken Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God promised this calamity against this place; 3and the LORD has brought it on and done just as He promised. Because you people sinned against the LORD and did not listen to His voice, therefore this thing has happened to you. 4“But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains which are on your hands. If you would prefer to come with me to Babylon, come along, and I will look after you; but if you would prefer not to come with me to Babylon, never mind. Look, the whole land is before you; go wherever it seems good and right for you to go.” 5As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go. 6Then Jeremiah went to Mizpah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land.

      7Now all the commanders of the forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon. 8So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah, along with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, both they and their men. 9Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you. 10“Now as for me, behold, I am going to stay at Mizpah to stand for you before the Chaldeans who come to us; but as for you, gather in wine and summer fruit and oil and put them in your storage vessels, and live in your cities that you have taken over.” 11Likewise, also all the Jews who were in Moab and among the sons of Ammon and in Edom and who were in all the other countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant for Judah, and that he had appointed over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan. 12Then all the Jews returned from all the places to which they had been driven away and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and gathered in wine and summer fruit in great abundance.

Spend some time reflecting and asking God to show you how to apply these lessons in your life.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Faithful, Fear / Reverence for God, Grace / Forgiveness, His Timing Not Ours, Justice / Judgment, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

What God Declares Will Come to Pass

Whether or not we agree with or like what God has declared, He is still in control. In Jeremiah 39, we see the culmination of the fall of Jerusalem which was prophesied by Jeremiah. King Zedekiah and others in Jerusalem did not want or believe this would happen. What God declares, however, will come to pass.

Jeremiah was spared because of his trust in the LORD.

Take time to reflect on how this may apply in your life today. Our city may not be under siege, but we still have things God will pour into our lives. Some we may not want to hear and some may fill us with hope. We should put our trust in God in either case. Repent when called for and call for grace and mercy.

Sometimes, even if what He promises is good, we may struggle because it takes so long to come about. Remain faithful. Hold on to your hope in what the LORD has told you. Be patient, even when it is hard.

Jeremiah 39

Jerusalem Captured

      1Now when Jerusalem was captured in the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it; 2in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the city wall was breached. 3Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came in and sat down at the Middle Gate: Nergal-sar-ezer, Samgar-nebu, Sar-sekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. 4When Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, they fled and went out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and he went out toward the Arabah. 5But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and they seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he passed sentence on him. 6Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes at Riblah; the king of Babylon also slew all the nobles of Judah. 7He then blinded Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him in fetters of bronze to bring him to Babylon. 8The Chaldeans also burned with fire the king’s palace and the houses of the people, and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9As for the rest of the people who were left in the city, the deserters who had gone over to him and the rest of the people who remained, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard carried them into exile in Babylon. 10But some of the poorest people who had nothing, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard left behind in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at that time.


Jeremiah Spared

      11Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, saying, 12“Take him and look after him, and do nothing harmful to him, but rather deal with him just as he tells you.” 13So Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard sent word, along with Nebushazban the Rab-saris, and Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the leading officers of the king of Babylon; 14they even sent and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guardhouse and entrusted him to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So he stayed among the people.

      15Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse, saying, 16“Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Behold, I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day. 17“But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you will not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread. 18“For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”

We can be sure that the best course of action is to trust in the LORD, even when it seems hard. Take a moment to praise Him for being so trustworthy! Find your rest in God and keep pursuing what He tells you to do.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faithful, Grace / Forgiveness, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness

God’s Faithfulness Offers a Transformative Journey from Brokenness to Abundant Blessings

Jeremiah 31, a pivotal chapter in the book of Jeremiah, carries a profound message of hope and restoration in the midst of turmoil. Against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile and the fall of Jerusalem, the central theme of this chapter revolves around the promise of a new covenant between God and His people.

At its core, Jeremiah 31 envisions the restoration of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Despite the people’s disobedience and the consequences they face, God’s unwavering love and faithfulness shine through. The chapter paints a picture of a triumphant return from exile, where the people are called to rejoice and sing as they journey back to their homeland.

The concept of the new covenant takes center stage, embodying a profound shift from external obedience to an internal transformation. Unlike the old covenant established at Mount Sinai, which was written on stone tablets, this new covenant will be etched onto the hearts of the people. This intimate inscription signifies a deeper connection with God, where forgiveness, redemption, and a renewed relationship become paramount.

Through Jeremiah’s words, God’s promise to forgive sins and remember them no more echoes, highlighting His boundless mercy. The lush imagery of the land’s fertility and the population’s growth paints a vibrant picture of flourishing prosperity. Jeremiah 31 resonates with the unchanging nature of God’s love, demonstrating His unyielding commitment to His people despite their failings.

In essence, Jeremiah 31 encapsulates a message of renewal—a promise that out of adversity, a fresh start awaits. It encapsulates a profound sense of hope, underscoring the idea that even in the face of challenges and exile, God’s covenantal relationship endures. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder that God’s faithfulness prevails, offering a transformative journey from brokenness to abundant blessings.

Jeremiah 31

Israel’s Mourning Turned to Joy

      1“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

      2Thus says the LORD,
“The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness—
Israel, when it went to find its rest.”

      3The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

      4“Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt,
O virgin of Israel!
Again you will take up your tambourines,
And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers.

      5“Again you will plant vineyards
On the hills of Samaria;
The planters will plant
And will enjoy them.

      6“For there will be a day when watchmen
On the hills of Ephraim call out,
‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion,
To the LORD our God.’”

      7For thus says the LORD,
“Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
And shout among the chief of the nations;
Proclaim, give praise and say,
‘O LORD, save Your people,
The remnant of Israel.’

      8“Behold, I am bringing them from the north country,
And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth,
Among them the blind and the lame,
The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together;
A great company, they will return here.

      9“With weeping they will come,
And by supplication I will lead them;
I will make them walk by streams of waters,
On a straight path in which they will not stumble;
For I am a father to Israel,
And Ephraim is My firstborn.”

      10Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
And declare in the coastlands afar off,
And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him
And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.”

      11For the LORD has ransomed Jacob
And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.

      12“They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—
Over the grain and the new wine and the oil,
And over the young of the flock and the herd;
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they will never languish again.

      13“Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
And the young men and the old, together,
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.

      14“I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance,
And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.

      15Thus says the LORD,
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.”

16Thus says the LORD,
“Restrain your voice from weeping
And your eyes from tears;
For your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD,
“And they will return from the land of the enemy.

      17“There is hope for your future,” declares the LORD,
“And your children will return to their own territory.

      18“I have surely heard Ephraim grieving,
‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,
Like an untrained calf;
Bring me back that I may be restored,
For You are the LORD my God.

      19‘For after I turned back, I repented;
And after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh;
I was ashamed and also humiliated
Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’

      20“Is Ephraim My dear son?
Is he a delightful child?
Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him;
Therefore My heart yearns for him;
I will surely have mercy on him,” declares the LORD.

      21“Set up for yourself roadmarks,
Place for yourself guideposts;
Direct your mind to the highway,
The way by which you went.
Return, O virgin of Israel,
Return to these your cities.

      22“How long will you go here and there,
O faithless daughter?
For the LORD has created a new thing in the earth—
A woman will encompass a man.”

      23Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes,
‘The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness,
O holy hill!’

24“Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks. 25“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” 26At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.


A New Covenant

      27“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. 28“As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

      29“In those days they will not say again,
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’

30“But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge.

      31“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34“They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

      35Thus says the LORD,
Who gives the sun for light by day
And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar;
The LORD of hosts is His name:

      36“If this fixed order departs
From before Me,” declares the LORD,
“Then the offspring of Israel also will cease
From being a nation before Me forever.”

37Thus says the LORD,
“If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel
For all that they have done,” declares the LORD.

      38“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the city will be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39“The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to Goah. 40“And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it will not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.”

Take a few minutes in prayer to thank God for His faithfulness in offering a transformative journey from brokenness to abundant blessings to each of us.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Grace / Forgiveness, Obeying God, Provider

Unshakable Trust: Flourishing like a Tree by the Water

Jeremiah 17 reminds us that we should seek after the LORD and put our trust in Him. We must not trust in our feelings or the leadings of our heart, which can be deceptive and lead us astray. We must put our faith firmly in God and His ways and then we will flourish like a tree by the water. Even should hard times come upon us, like extended drought can impact the trees, we will flourish.

Jeremiah 17:1-18

The Deceitful Heart

1The sin of Judah is written down with an iron stylus;
With a diamond point it is engraved upon the tablet of their heart
And on the horns of their altars,

      2As they remember their children,
So they remember their altars and their Asherim
By green trees on the high hills.

      3O mountain of Mine in the countryside,
I will give over your wealth and all your treasures for booty,
Your high places for sin throughout your borders.

      4And you will, even of yourself, let go of your inheritance
That I gave you;
And I will make you serve your enemies
In the land which you do not know;
For you have kindled a fire in My anger
Which will burn forever.

      5Thus says the LORD,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the LORD.

      6“For he will be like a bush in the desert
And will not see when prosperity comes,
But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
A land of salt without inhabitant.

      7“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.

      8“For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.

      9“The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?

      10“I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.

      11“As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid,
So is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly;
In the midst of his days it will forsake him,
And in the end he will be a fool.”

      12A glorious throne on high from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.

      13O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You will be put to shame.
Those who turn away on earth will be written down,
Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD.

      14Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved,
For You are my praise.

      15Look, they keep saying to me,
“Where is the word of the LORD?
Let it come now!”

      16But as for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd after You,
Nor have I longed for the woeful day;
You Yourself know that the utterance of my lips
Was in Your presence.

      17Do not be a terror to me;
You are my refuge in the day of disaster.

      18Let those who persecute me be put to shame, but as for me, let me not be put to shame;
Let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed.
Bring on them a day of disaster,
And crush them with twofold destruction!

I am grateful that God is so worthy of our trust, and that He is graceful and forgiving when I struggle to fully trust Him. I can come to Him and ask Him to help me in my unbelief.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Compassionate, Discipline / Guidance From God, Faithful, Grace / Forgiveness, Justice / Judgment

God’s Faithfulness in Discipline and Restoration: Insights from Jeremiah 16

Even as the LORD plans distress on His people to discipline them and turn them back to Him, He also looks ahead to restoration. I appreciate the insight in Jeremiah 16 as we see this principle laid out for us. The people are disciplined, according to verse 12, because each one is “walking according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me.”

Yes even as God disciplines them, he already plans a path to restoration.

Jeremiah 16

Distresses Foretold

      1The word of the LORD also came to me saying, 2“You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place.” 3For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bear them, and their fathers who beget them in this land: 4“They will die of deadly diseases, they will not be lamented or buried; they will be as dung on the surface of the ground and come to an end by sword and famine, and their carcasses will become food for the birds of the sky and for the beasts of the earth.”

      5For thus says the LORD, “Do not enter a house of mourning, or go to lament or to console them; for I have withdrawn My peace from this people,” declares the LORD, “My lovingkindness and compassion. 6“Both great men and small will die in this land; they will not be buried, they will not be lamented, nor will anyone gash himself or shave his head for them. 7“Men will not break bread in mourning for them, to comfort anyone for the dead, nor give them a cup of consolation to drink for anyone’s father or mother. 8“Moreover you shall not go into a house of feasting to sit with them to eat and drink.” 9For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I am going to eliminate from this place, before your eyes and in your time, the voice of rejoicing and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.

      10“Now when you tell this people all these words, they will say to you, ‘For what reason has the LORD declared all this great calamity against us? And what is our iniquity, or what is our sin which we have committed against the LORD our God?’ 11“Then you are to say to them, ‘It is because your forefathers have forsaken Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and have followed other gods and served them and bowed down to them; but Me they have forsaken and have not kept My law. 12‘You too have done evil, even more than your forefathers; for behold, you are each one walking according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me. 13‘So I will hurl you out of this land into the land which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers; and there you will serve other gods day and night, for I will grant you no favor.’

God Will Restore Them

      14“Therefore behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when it will no longer be said, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 15but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the north and from all the countries where He had banished them.’ For I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers.

      16“Behold, I am going to send for many fishermen,” declares the LORD, “and they will fish for them; and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the clefts of the rocks. 17“For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes. 18“I will first doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable idols and with their abominations.”

      19O LORD, my strength and my stronghold,
And my refuge in the day of distress,
To You the nations will come
From the ends of the earth and say,
“Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood,
Futility and things of no profit.”

      20Can man make gods for himself?
Yet they are not gods!

      21“Therefore behold, I am going to make them know—
This time I will make them know
My power and My might;
And they shall know that My name is the LORD.”

Even when God may have you in a difficult time or situation, remember that He already knows how He plans to get you through it and out of it. He is not “winging it” or waiting to figure it out. He already knows how He will do it. Draw near to Him. Trust in Him.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faithful, Learning To Pray Effectively, Lying / Deceiving, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil

Help, O Lord, for the Godly Are Fast Disappearing

I often hear that the world is worse than it has ever been before and is degrading to new levels of wickedness and rejection of God. Though many parts of the world clearly reject God and do indeed appear to be in a period of decline and shift further away from Him, scripture reminds us that the world has always been full of wicked people.

Consider Genesis 6:5-9,

5 The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7 And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” 8 But Noah found favor with the Lord.

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.

Those who are godly have had cycles where there was revival and then periods of decline to what is essentially a righteous remnant throughout history. Psalm 12 reminds us of another time where those who follow God were grieved by the wickedness of those around them.

Psalm 12

1 Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
    The faithful have vanished from the earth!
2 Neighbors lie to each other,
    speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
3 May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
    and silence their boastful tongues.
4 They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content.
    Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”

5 The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
    and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
    as they have longed for me to do.”
6 The Lord’s promises are pure,
    like silver refined in a furnace,
    purified seven times over.
7 Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,
    preserving them forever from this lying generation,
8 even though the wicked strut about,
    and evil is praised throughout the land.

As I read Psalm 12, my first reaction is that it may as well have been written about today in the United States of America. Evil is praised throughout the land and the wicked strut about. Every kind of sin and wickedness is tolerated or even praised, but Christians are called intolerant and pressured to be silent. I always find it ironic that those who say Christians should be tolerant of every kind of sin also refuse to tolerate our faith.

I find great comfort in God’s word and it reminds me that God is in control. I pray that true Christians around the world would rise up for their faith and live their lives like they truly serve God rather than blending in with the world. This includes electing godly leaders to political office to stop evil and work for good. When real Christians stand up for what God teaches, we will find revival and reinvigorate the body of Christ and then draw in those who may receive the good news of the gospel.

We must not be afraid to speak the truth, even when it brings controversy. We must instead follow the example of Jesus who spoke directly against sinful and wrong behavior and called people to change… to repent. If the godly are silent, evil prevails.

Take a few minutes in prayer and thank God that He is always with us, even when the world turns from Him. He does not reject those who continue pursuing Him in righteousness.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Blessed, Compassionate, Faithful, Grace / Forgiveness, Humility, Loving / Kind, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

He Is Ready to Show Grace, if You Are Ready to Repent

Grace is giving someone what they do not deserve. God tells us repeatedly in the Bible that He wants to show us grace, but will wait on us to turn toward Him in genuine repentance.

Isaiah 30 is an impactful scripture about God’s grace following the sin of His people.  I encourage you to click the link and read all of it for full context. The first seven verses reveal how the people of Judah turned away from God and made a treaty with Egypt for protection instead of trusting God. Verses 8-11 reveal how the people have rejected God’s messengers who bring His instruction.  Verses 12-17 tell how futile and worthless is the path the people chose instead of following God’s instructions. It will not serve them well.  And in the center of this outright rebellion toward God, God still offers grace when the people repent starting in verse 18. But they must turn to Him.

Isaiah 30:18-26

18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.

19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. 20 Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. 22 Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags,
saying to them, “Good riddance!”

23 Then the Lord will bless you with rain at planting time. There will be wonderful harvests and plenty of pastureland for your livestock. 24 The oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat good grain, its chaff blown away by the wind. 25 In that day, when your enemies are slaughtered and the towers fall, there will be streams of water flowing down every mountain and hill. 26 The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter—like the light of seven days in one! So it will be when the Lord begins to heal his people and cure the wounds he gave them.

Anyone who expects God to be gracious while still openly rejecting and rebelling against Him will be disappointed. God is willing to extend grace, but we must turn toward Him with genuine repentance.  God is waiting for us to come to Him and His grace is truly wonderful.

Take time in prayer right now and accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Come humbly toward Him with repentance and receive His love and compassion.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.