Category Archives: Blessed

Blessed, Compassion, Kindness / Gentleness

Remembering Better Days: Job’s Reflection on Past Blessings (Job 29)

Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about better days, longing for the joys and blessings of the past?

In Job 29, we encounter Job’s poignant reflection on the prosperity and favor he once enjoyed.

Join us as we journey through this chapter and explore Job’s heartfelt recollection of better times and the lessons it offers us today.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Job, we witnessed Job’s anguished lamentations and his contentious exchanges with his friends, who accuse him of wrongdoing. However, in Job 29, we encounter a shift in tone as Job reflects on the blessings and honor he once experienced.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 29

Job’s Past Was Glorious

      1And Job again took up his discourse and said,

      2“Oh that I were as in months gone by,
As in the days when God watched over me;

      3When His lamp shone over my head,
And by His light I walked through darkness;

      4As I was in the prime of my days,
When the friendship of God was over my tent;

      5When the Almighty was yet with me,
And my children were around me;

      6When my steps were bathed in butter,
And the rock poured out for me streams of oil!

      7“When I went out to the gate of the city,
When I took my seat in the square,

      8The young men saw me and hid themselves,
And the old men arose and stood.

      9“The princes stopped talking
And put their hands on their mouths;

      10The voice of the nobles was hushed,
And their tongue stuck to their palate.

      11“For when the ear heard, it called me blessed,
And when the eye saw, it gave witness of me,

      12Because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
And the orphan who had no helper.

      13“The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me,
And I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.

      14“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
My justice was like a robe and a turban.

      15“I was eyes to the blind
And feet to the lame.

      16“I was a father to the needy,
And I investigated the case which I did not know.

      17“I broke the jaws of the wicked
And snatched the prey from his teeth.

      18“Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest,
And I shall multiply my days as the sand.

      19‘My root is spread out to the waters,
And dew lies all night on my branch.

      20‘My glory is ever new with me,
And my bow is renewed in my hand.’

      21“To me they listened and waited,
And kept silent for my counsel.

      22“After my words they did not speak again,
And my speech dropped on them.

      23“They waited for me as for the rain,
And opened their mouth as for the spring rain.

      24“I smiled on them when they did not believe,
And the light of my face they did not cast down.

      25“I chose a way for them and sat as chief,
And dwelt as a king among the troops,
As one who comforted the mourners.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Glorious Past (Job 29:1-10): Job begins by reminiscing about the days when God’s favor shone brightly upon him. He recalls the respect and admiration he received from his community, describing how he was esteemed as a leader and a source of counsel and comfort for the needy. Job fondly remembers the prosperity and security he enjoyed, feeling as though God’s lamp shone upon his head and guided his steps through the darkness.
  2. A Life of Compassion and Justice (Job 29:11-17): Job continues his reflection by recounting the acts of compassion and justice he performed during his days of prosperity. He describes how he championed the cause of the oppressed and defended the rights of the vulnerable, earning him the praise and gratitude of those he helped. Job attributes his ability to administer justice to God’s guidance and blessing upon his life.
  3. Honored and Respected (Job 29:18-25): In the final section of the chapter, Job reflects on the honor and respect he received from his peers and elders. He describes how his wisdom and counsel were sought after by leaders and dignitaries, and how he was regarded as a father to the needy and an advocate for the marginalized. Despite his current afflictions, Job longs for the restoration of his former glory and the return of God’s favor upon his life.

Call to Action:

As we ponder Job’s reflection on past blessings in Job 29, let’s consider how we can apply its lessons to our own lives:

  1. Gratitude for God’s Blessings: Take time to reflect on the blessings and favor God has bestowed upon you in the past. Cultivate a heart of gratitude for His provision, protection, and guidance throughout your life’s journey.
  2. Compassion and Justice: Follow Job’s example of compassion and justice by advocating for the oppressed and defending the rights of the vulnerable in your community. Seek opportunities to extend a helping hand to those in need and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
  3. Seeking Restoration: Like Job, trust in God’s faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of trials and adversity. Pray for restoration and renewal in areas of your life where you have experienced loss or suffering, trusting that God is able to turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons we learn from Job’s reflection on past blessings in Job 29. Help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude for your provision and guidance in our lives. Empower us to be agents of compassion and justice in our communities, advocating for the oppressed and defending the rights of the vulnerable. Grant us faith to trust in your faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of trials and adversity. May we always find our hope and restoration in you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. 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.

Blessed, Fear / Reverence for God, Learning To Pray Effectively, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

A Call for Blessings and Praise (Psalm 67)

Have you ever pondered the universal longing for blessings, not just for yourself, but for all of humanity?

In Psalm 67, we find a heartfelt plea for God’s blessings to be poured out on all nations.

Join us as we delve into this beautiful psalm, exploring the significance of seeking blessings not only for ourselves but for the entire world.

Exploring the Context: Psalm 67 is a brief yet profound psalm that emphasizes the universal scope of God’s blessings. It is a plea for God’s favor and grace to shine upon all nations, inviting them to experience His salvation. This psalm reminds us that God’s blessings are not meant to be hoarded but generously shared with the world.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 67

The Nations Exhorted to Praise God.

For the choir director; with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.

     1God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us—

Selah.

      2That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.

      3Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.

      4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For You will judge the peoples with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth.

Selah.

      5Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.

      6The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.

      7God blesses us,
That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Plea for God’s Blessings: The psalm begins with a heartfelt plea for God’s grace and blessings. The psalmist implores God to be gracious and bless us, recognizing that divine favor is the source of all goodness.
  2. A Universal Focus: What sets Psalm 67 apart is its universal perspective. It goes beyond personal blessings and asks for God’s face to shine upon all nations. The psalmist desires that all peoples and nations would come to know God’s salvation.
  3. A Call to Praise: The psalmist understands that when God blesses us, it’s not just for our benefit but for His glory. As recipients of His blessings, we are called to praise Him joyfully and make His ways known among the nations.
  4. God’s Righteous Judgment: The psalm concludes by acknowledging God as the righteous Judge of all nations. His guidance ensures that justice and equity prevail, bringing harmony to a world in need of His guidance.

Call to Action:

As we meditate on Psalm 67, let’s embrace these key takeaways:

  1. Prayer for Global Blessings: Consider incorporating prayers for the well-being of all nations into your daily routine. Pray for peace, justice, and salvation to reach every corner of the world.
  2. Share God’s Blessings: Reflect on the blessings you’ve received and find ways to share them with others. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, generosity, or spreading the message of God’s love, let’s be conduits of His blessings.
  3. Praise and Gratitude: Take time to praise God for His abundant blessings in your life. Recognize that every good gift comes from Him and express your gratitude through worship and thanksgiving.
  4. Engage in Dialogue: Engage in meaningful discussions with friends and family about the importance of seeking blessings not only for ourselves but for the entire world. Share your thoughts in the comments below to continue the conversation.

Let this reflection on Psalm 67 inspire us to be agents of God’s blessings, sharing His love and grace with a world in need.

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.

Blessed, Government, Provider, Thankfulness, Traditions / Holidays

Reclaiming Thanksgiving: A Call to Rediscover Faith and Gratitude 🍂🙏🏽

Reignite the true spirit of Thanksgiving beyond the common trappings of family, football, and feasting.

Explore the forgotten roots of this cherished holiday in President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, shedding light on our nation’s Christian foundation.

Join us in reclaiming the essence of gratitude and prayer, making God the focal point of your Thanksgiving celebration this year.

Thanksgiving has a lot of potential if we focus on our Lord instead of football, feasting, and family… and more recently, shopping. Perhaps it is overly obvious, but people still miss it. It is nonsense to be thankful without clearly focusing on and relating to the one who provided what we are thankful for. In other words, it is even silly to say we are thankful but not complete the thought that we are thankful to whom and have that be a major / primary focus as we celebrate.

Though it is not a Biblical holiday, it was clearly founded as a holiday in the USA by a Christian president, George Washington, who wanted to call the people to a time of thanksgiving to our Lord for all the blessings poured out on this nation and its people. (Text of Thanksgiving Proclamation)

Actually studying this history and the contents of the Thanksgiving Proclamation, for people who will take time to do so, deals another blow to the lies of separation of church and state. We were founded a Christian nation, by the grace of God. That’s just an historical fact, despite how many people want to erase that history and replace it with “separation of church and state” nonsensical interpretations of our founding government documents. The original intent was simply that the state would not choose which Christian doctrine someone would believe or follow. It was never intended to limit someone in government freely expressing their Christian faith.

I encourage all of you to go back to the roots of Thanksgiving to truly come together in thanks and prayers to God. Build this into your traditions and celebrations. Do not let God be erased from yet another holiday, this time in favor of football, feasting, visiting with family, or shopping. Though the Pilgrims were godly people, do not even let them be placed as the centerpiece of the holiday but rather YHWH Himself. I suggest even doing a quick history lesson for your family and sharing the Thanksgiving Proclamation and start including that as a new tradition to celebrate annually.

I have included the text of the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation from George Washington below.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

Washington.

*reference: https://wallbuilders.com/proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1789/

As a side note for conclusion and your additional thought… Congress asked the President to present this proclamation to the people of the USA very recently after founding our nation. Could there be any more obvious evidence that the founding fathers and the documents they created (with God’s help) did not intend to shut down people in government from freely expressing their faith?  There are many more examples for those who wish to study them and educate their children properly on what actually happened and how our government is actually intended to work.

Final thoughts on Thanksgiving… what do you want your family to associate with Thanksgiving? football? big meals? a family dinner? Where does our submission and thankfulness to YHWH fit in? What do you want to be the primary focus? Plan your celebration consistent with the desired outcome.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for blessing our nation in its founding and over the course of its history. Thank You for blessing Your people with opportunity for close relationship with You through grace and mercy and forgiveness of our sins through Yeshua. Please help increase righteousness and defeat wickedness in our nation and across the world. Help Your people to flourish in personal freedom to worship You and live according to how You call us. Please protect us from ever growing efforts for centralized government control. May Your blessings of peace and prosperity fall upon Your people! Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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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, Curse, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God

Obedience or Disobedience (to God), Which Will You Choose?

God is pleased when we obey Him. He is not pleased when He repeatedly sends messengers that are ignored or rejected. He wants us as His people to obey His instructions and draw near to Him.

There are consequences both for obedience and for disobedience. Which will you choose?

Jeremiah 35

The Rechabites’ Obedience

      1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 2“Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak to them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.” 3Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons and the whole house of the Rechabites, 4and I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was near the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the doorkeeper. 5Then I set before the men of the house of the Rechabites pitchers full of wine and cups; and I said to them, “Drink wine!” 6But they said, “We will not drink wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall not drink wine, you or your sons, forever. 7‘You shall not build a house, and you shall not sow seed and you shall not plant a vineyard or own one; but in tents you shall dwell all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.’ 8“We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons or our daughters, 9nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; and we do not have vineyard or field or seed. 10“We have only dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and have done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us. 11“But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come and let us go to Jerusalem before the army of the Chaldeans and before the army of the Arameans.’ So we have dwelt in Jerusalem.”

Judah Rebuked

      12Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, 13“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Go and say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction by listening to My words?” declares the LORD. 14“The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are observed. So they do not drink wine to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. But I have spoken to you again and again; yet you have not listened to Me. 15“Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. 16‘Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’ 17“Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am bringing on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them; because I spoke to them but they did not listen, and I have called them but they did not answer.’”

      18Then Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father, kept all his commands and done according to all that he commanded you; 19therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me always.”’”

We each have a choice to make about how completely we will submit to and pursue God and live according to His ways. Often we may not realize it, but there is farther He wants us to go in obeying Him. Keep a humble heart and a willing mind and a teachable spirit. Study His word and apply it in your life. Ask God to show you where there is more for you to do in pursuing 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.

Blessed, Help / Serve Others, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Prayer, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Suffering / Adversity

Draw Near To God in Difficult Times

We all have figured out by now that we face difficult times while we are on this earth. However, what a great step we are making in drawing near to Yahweh when we turn to Him for help with praise and thanksgiving even during the hard times. He is our Father and we can share what is on our hearts with Him honestly and then turn our attitude toward one of praise and thanksgiving toward Him.

Psalm 41

The Psalmist in Sickness Complains of Enemies and False Friends.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

      1How blessed is he who considers the helpless;
The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble.

      2The LORD will protect him and keep him alive,
And he shall be called blessed upon the earth;
And do not give him over to the desire of his enemies.

      3The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed;
In his illness, You restore him to health.

      4As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

      5My enemies speak evil against me,
“When will he die, and his name perish?”

      6And when he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood;
His heart gathers wickedness to itself;
When he goes outside, he tells it.

      7All who hate me whisper together against me;
Against me they devise my hurt, saying,

      8“A wicked thing is poured out upon him,
That when he lies down, he will not rise up again.”

      9Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.

      10But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up,
That I may repay them.

      11By this I know that You are pleased with me,
Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.

      12As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,
And You set me in Your presence forever.

      13Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.

Trust in God even when things are not going well. Share your heart openly and honestly, but then remember to thank Him and praise Him even before the situation is fully resolved in your eyes. The value of our relationship with our Creator is so much more than just an escape from hard times. He helps us in our distress, sometimes to escape it and sometimes to endure it and learn from it. He loves us as a Father. At a minimum, we should love Him back as a little child does a loving father… even if we do not understand all that we are going through. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8a

 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Blessed, Curse, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

God’s Favor and Discipline: The Choice Between Blessing and Cursing

Not all among God’s people carry favor with Him. Many have turned away from Him and His instructions and go their own way.  All the while, they hope God will protect them even while they yet disobey Him. There are times when God Himself comes against His people to discipline them. He offers life or death (Jeremiah 21 verses 8-9 below). He offers blessing or cursing (obedience or disobedience).  More often than we think, we get to choose based on our actions and obedience.

Jeremiah 21

Jeremiah’s Message for Zedekiah

      1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah, and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying, 2“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is warring against us; perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all His wonderful acts, so that the enemy will withdraw from us.”

      3Then Jeremiah said to them, “You shall say to Zedekiah as follows: 4‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel, “Behold, I am about to turn back the weapons of war which are in your hands, with which you are warring against the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who are besieging you outside the wall; and I will gather them into the center of this city. 5“I Myself will war against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, even in anger and wrath and great indignation. 6“I will also strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they will die of a great pestilence. 7“Then afterwards,” declares the LORD, “I will give over Zedekiah king of Judah and his servants and the people, even those who survive in this city from the pestilence, the sword and the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their foes and into the hand of those who seek their lives; and he will strike them down with the edge of the sword. He will not spare them nor have pity nor compassion.”’

      8“You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. 9“He who dwells in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence; but he who goes out and falls away to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live, and he will have his own life as booty. 10“For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good,” declares the LORD. “It will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon and he will burn it with fire.”’

      11“Then say to the household of the king of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD,

12O house of David, thus says the LORD:
“Administer justice every morning;
And deliver the person who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor,
That My wrath may not go forth like fire
And burn with none to extinguish it,
Because of the evil of their deeds.

      13“Behold, I am against you, O valley dweller,
O rocky plain,” declares the LORD,
“You men who say, ‘Who will come down against us?
Or who will enter into our habitations?’

      14“But I will punish you according to the results of your deeds,” declares the LORD,
“And I will kindle a fire in its forest
That it may devour all its environs.”’”

It is not enough to just ask God to bless you and protect you while remaining in sin. Truly turn your heart towards Him, repent, and seek Him diligently.

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, Faith / Trusting God, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Love, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

How Blessed Is He Whose Sin Is Covered!

How natural is it for a child to try to deny that they have done wrong? They are focused solely on avoiding correction and discipline and it that approach can get in the way of learning and growing. As a child, I once wrote on the back dash of our family car in orange crayon. When it was discovered by my parents and they asked about it… I denied it was me. I had written my name. Needless to say they figured it out easily. I had compounded my mistakes by adding lying to the original drawing on the dashboard.

As foolish as this sounds, it is much like that when we try to hide our sins from God. He already knows what we did. It is just as foolish to rationalize to God (and ourselves) to justify our wrong actions. He already knows our motives.

Just like a loving father, He wants us to repent for our wrong actions, ask forgiveness and turn about to start doing the right things. He wants us to be brought back to right relationship with Him. God already made a way for us to be forgiven! We just need to accept the offer of forgiveness by grace through faith that God extends to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!

Psalm 32

Blessedness of Forgiveness and of Trust in God.

     1How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!

      2How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

      3When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.

      4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.

Selah.

      5I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Selah.

      6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.

      7You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.

Selah.

      8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

      9Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.

      10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.

      11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

Rejoice indeed all who are upright in heart! Our loving Father made a way to forgive us and allow us to remain in close relationship with Him. We do not need to live forever under the guilt of the wrong things we have done and the wrong motivations we have felt. We turn away from wrong, ask forgiveness and start doing things God’s way. Jesus came to set us free from our own sin!

Reflect on your life and consider some of the mistakes you have made. Praise God that all of those have already been forgiven if you have turned from that wrong behavior, asked Jesus to forgive you, and started doing things God’s way. You no longer carry that guilt. Jesus carried it for you… to the cross.

Are there areas in which you have not yet turned away from wrong behavior and asked forgiveness… where you have not yet started doing things God’s way? Come humbly before God right now. Do not wait for later today or tomorrow.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Blessed, Consequences of Sin, Curse, Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin

Why Has the Way of the Wicked Prospered?

It seems so common that God’s people are far from Him, living in rebellion despite acknowledging Him with their lips. We experience this still today. God wants restoration. God wants to be in a relationship with His people. However, when the people choose to reject Him, there are consequences.

This is true as a nation but also as individuals. Consider the theme carefully as you read. Apply it to our nation and also to your life as an individual. If there are any areas where you need to submit to God, do so. Ask Him to show you. Surrender your life completely to Him.

Sometimes when God is addressing the mistakes of His people, it makes it look like the wicked are prospering with God’s favor, but it is really all about God’s relationship with His people.  God is not blessing the wicked. God is disciplining His children in hopes they will return to Him.

As a side note, I greatly appreciate that God allows us to seek answers from Him, to be genuine and honest with Him, when we don’t understand things we see going on or things we are experiencing. Jeremiah was able to have a honest conversation with God without fear of condemnation for asking about what did not make sense to him.

Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah’s Prayer

1Righteous are You, LORD, when I plead my case with You;

Nevertheless I would discuss matters of justice with You:

Why has the way of the wicked prospered?

Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?

2You have planted them, they have also taken root;

They grow, they have also produced fruit.

You are near to their lips

But far from their mind.

3But You know me, LORD;

You see me

And examine my heart’s attitude toward You.

Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter,

And set them apart for a day of slaughter!

4How long is the land to mourn,

And the vegetation of the countryside to dry up?

Due to the wickedness of those who live in it,

Animals and birds have been snatched away,

Because people have said, “He will not see our final end.”

5“If you have run with infantrymen and they have tired you out,

How can you compete with horses?

If you fall down in a land of peace,

How will you do in the thicket by the Jordan?

6“For even your brothers and the household of your father,

Even they have dealt treacherously with you,

Even they have called aloud after you.

Do not believe them, though they say nice things to you.”

God’s Answer

7“I have forsaken My house,

I have abandoned My inheritance;

I have handed the beloved of My soul

Over to her enemies.

8“My inheritance has become to Me

Like a lion in the forest;

She has roared against Me;

Therefore I have come to hate her.

9“Is My inheritance like a speckled bird of prey to Me?

Are the birds of prey against her on every side?

Go, gather all the animals of the field,

Bring them to devour!

10“Many shepherds have ruined My vineyard,

They have trampled down My field;

They have made My pleasant field

A desolate wilderness.

11“It has been made a desolation;

Desolate, it mourns before Me;

The whole land has been made desolate,

Because no one takes it to heart.

12“On all the bare heights in the wilderness

Destroyers have come,

For the sword of the LORD is devouring

From one end of the land even to the other

There is no peace for anyone

13“They have sown wheat but have harvested thorns,

They have strained themselves [k]to no profit.

So be ashamed of your produce

Because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”

14This is what the LORD says concerning all My wicked neighbors who do harm to the inheritance with which I have endowed My people Israel: “Behold, I am going to drive them out of their land, and I will drive the house of Judah out from among them. 15And it will come about that after I have driven them out, I will again have compassion on them; and I will bring them back, each one to his inheritance and each one to his land. 16Then, if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ just as they taught My people to swear by Baal, they will be built up in the midst of My people. 17But if they do not listen, then I will drive out that nation, drive it out and destroy it,” declares the LORD.

God wants to be in relationship to us, His people, as individuals and as a whole group. However, we get to choose. Will we pursue Him in holiness or live our own way? More to the point, what will you do as an individual? Pray that He would show you any areas where you need to make changes in your life and then do it.

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, Consequences of Sin, Curse, Discipline / Guidance From God, Idols / False Gods

Cursed Is the Man Who Does Not Follow God’s Instructions

Do not expect to put your faith in something or someone other than God and then call out to Him and have Him save you. Especially if you are one of His children, He knows you have the opportunity to know better. Sometimes if we turn our back on Him, we will have to face consequences. Of course, the answer is still the same, as quickly as possible, repent and turn back to Him and ask forgiveness.

At the very least, we can see that God is very displeased when we put our trust in other things or people besides Himself. He has laid out for us instructions by which He wants us to live and He wants us to follow them and not go our own way or the way of the pagans.

Jeremiah 11

The Broken Covenant

      1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2“Hear the words of this covenant, and speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem; 3and say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, “Cursed is the man who does not heed the words of this covenant 4which I commanded your forefathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’ 5in order to confirm the oath which I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.”’” Then I said, “Amen, O LORD.”

      6And the LORD said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Hear the words of this covenant and do them. 7‘For I solemnly warned your fathers in the day that I brought them up from the land of Egypt, even to this day, warning persistently, saying, “Listen to My voice.” 8‘Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked, each one, in the stubbornness of his evil heart; therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did not.’”

      9Then the LORD said to me, “A conspiracy has been found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10“They have turned back to the iniquities of their ancestors who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers.” 11Therefore thus says the LORD, “Behold I am bringing disaster on them which they will not be able to escape; though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them. 12“Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they surely will not save them in the time of their disaster. 13“For your gods are as many as your cities, O Judah; and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to the shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal.

      14“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster.

      15“What right has My beloved in My house
When she has done many vile deeds?
Can the sacrificial flesh take away from you your disaster,
So that you can rejoice?”

      16The LORD called your name,
“A green olive tree, beautiful in fruit and form”;
With the noise of a great tumult
He has kindled fire on it,
And its branches are worthless.

17The LORD of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done to provoke Me by offering up sacrifices to Baal.

Plots against Jeremiah

18Moreover, the LORD made it known to me and I knew it;
Then You showed me their deeds.

      19But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter;
And I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying,
“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
And let us cut him off from the land of the living,
That his name be remembered no more.”

      20But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously,
Who tries the feelings and the heart,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You have I committed my cause.

      21Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, saying, “Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, so that you will not die at our hand”; 22therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, I am about to punish them! The young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters will die by famine; 23and a remnant will not be left to them, for I will bring disaster on the men of Anathoth—the year of their punishment.”

Ask yourself what areas you have in your life in which you are following the world’s ways instead of God’s ways. Ask Him to show you clearly and give you courage to change. Follow God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

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, Consequences of Sin, Curse, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Idols / False Gods, Love, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil

Will You Keep Pursuing God of Let Yourself Grow Distant?

God often compares His relationship with His people to a marriage relationship. The people are at first devoted to Him, but despite His being righteous and loving and protecting of them, they turn away and pursue other gods. They turn away from the fount of living water to rely on our own man-made, cracked vessels that cannot hold water. The lose His blessing and protection and provision.

We can take this warning to heart as well still today. Do not turn your focus away from the LORD. Rely on Him! Pursue Him! Stay fresh in your love for Him as like newlyweds and do not grow distant over time and familiarity.

Jeremiah 2

Judah’s Apostasy

      1Now the word of the LORD came to me saying,

2“Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD,
“I remember concerning you the devotion of your youth,
The love of your betrothals,
Your following after Me in the wilderness,
Through a land not sown.

      3“Israel was holy to the LORD,
The first of His harvest.
All who ate of it became guilty;
Evil came upon them,” declares the LORD.’”

      4Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel.

5Thus says the LORD,
“What injustice did your fathers find in Me,
That they went far from Me
And walked after emptiness and became empty?

      6“They did not say, ‘Where is the LORD
Who brought us up out of the land of Egypt,
Who led us through the wilderness,
Through a land of deserts and of pits,
Through a land of drought and of deep darkness,
Through a land that no one crossed
And where no man dwelt?’

      7“I brought you into the fruitful land
To eat its fruit and its good things.
But you came and defiled My land,
And My inheritance you made an abomination.

      8“The priests did not say, ‘Where is the LORD?’
And those who handle the law did not know Me;
The rulers also transgressed against Me,
And the prophets prophesied by Baal
And walked after things that did not profit.

      9“Therefore I will yet contend with you,” declares the LORD,
“And with your sons’ sons I will contend.

      10“For cross to the coastlands of Kittim and see,
And send to Kedar and observe closely
And see if there has been such a thing as this!

      11“Has a nation changed gods
When they were not gods?
But My people have changed their glory
For that which does not profit.

      12“Be appalled, O heavens, at this,
And shudder, be very desolate,” declares the LORD.

      13“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me,
The fountain of living waters,
To hew for themselves cisterns,
Broken cisterns
That can hold no water.

      14“Is Israel a slave? Or is he a homeborn servant?
Why has he become a prey?

      15“The young lions have roared at him,
They have roared loudly.
And they have made his land a waste;
His cities have been destroyed, without inhabitant.

      16“Also the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes
Have shaved the crown of your head.

      17“Have you not done this to yourself
By your forsaking the LORD your God
When He led you in the way?

      18“But now what are you doing on the road to Egypt,
To drink the waters of the Nile?
Or what are you doing on the road to Assyria,
To drink the waters of the Euphrates?

      19“Your own wickedness will correct you,
And your apostasies will reprove you;
Know therefore and see that it is evil and bitter
For you to forsake the LORD your God,
And the dread of Me is not in you,” declares the Lord GOD of hosts.

      20“For long ago I broke your yoke
And tore off your bonds;
But you said, ‘I will not serve!’
For on every high hill
And under every green tree
You have lain down as a harlot.

      21“Yet I planted you a choice vine,
A completely faithful seed.
How then have you turned yourself before Me
Into the degenerate shoots of a foreign vine?

      22“Although you wash yourself with lye
And use much soap,
The stain of your iniquity is before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.

      23“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled,
I have not gone after the Baals’?
Look at your way in the valley!
Know what you have done!
You are a swift young camel entangling her ways,

      24A wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness,
That sniffs the wind in her passion.
In the time of her heat who can turn her away?
All who seek her will not become weary;
In her month they will find her.

      25“Keep your feet from being unshod
And your throat from thirst;
But you said, ‘It is hopeless!
No! For I have loved strangers,
And after them I will walk.’

      26“As the thief is shamed when he is discovered,
So the house of Israel is shamed;
They, their kings, their princes
And their priests and their prophets,

      27Who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’
And to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
For they have turned their back to Me,
And not their face;
But in the time of their trouble they will say,
‘Arise and save us.’

      28“But where are your gods
Which you made for yourself?
Let them arise, if they can save you
In the time of your trouble;
For according to the number of your cities
Are your gods, O Judah.

      29“Why do you contend with Me?
You have all transgressed against Me,” declares the LORD.

      30“In vain I have struck your sons;
They accepted no chastening.
Your sword has devoured your prophets
Like a destroying lion.

      31“O generation, heed the word of the LORD.
Have I been a wilderness to Israel,
Or a land of thick darkness?
Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam;
We will no longer come to You’?

      32“Can a virgin forget her ornaments,
Or a bride her attire?
Yet My people have forgotten Me
Days without number.

      33“How well you prepare your way
To seek love!
Therefore even the wicked women
You have taught your ways.

      34“Also on your skirts is found
The lifeblood of the innocent poor;
You did not find them breaking in.
But in spite of all these things,

      35Yet you said, ‘I am innocent;
Surely His anger is turned away from me.’
Behold, I will enter into judgment with you
Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

      36“Why do you go around so much
Changing your way?
Also, you will be put to shame by Egypt
As you were put to shame by Assyria.

      37“From this place also you will go out
With your hands on your head;
For the LORD has rejected those in whom you trust,
And you will not prosper with them.”

This is a long chapter to read. It is easy to start glazing over and reading quickly toward the end. Take time to reflect on your life and on the key message of this chapter. Do not lose that fresh love and desire for God that you had in the beginning. Keep working to rekindle it anew.

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.