Category Archives: Faith / Trusting God

Faith / Trusting God, Wise

Embrace Life’s Uncertainties with Purpose, Joy, and Divine Assurance (Ecclesiastes 9)

Embark on a reflective journey through Ecclesiastes 9, where the writer grapples with the uncertainties of life.

Join us as we explore the profound wisdom within this chapter, discovering the threads of purpose, joy, divine assurance, and the call to live meaningfully in the face of life’s unpredictable nature.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 9

Men Are in the Hand of God

     1For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.

      2It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. 4For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.

      7Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. 8Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. 9Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Uncertainties of Life: Ecclesiastes 9 begins with an acknowledgment of the unpredictable and often uncontrollable aspects of life. The Preacher reflects on the reality that both the righteous and the wicked face unforeseen events, challenging the notion that personal righteousness guarantees a trouble-free existence.
  2. The Equality of Life’s End: The chapter explores the equality of fate that awaits all, emphasizing that death comes to everyone, regardless of their station in life. This stark reality becomes a cornerstone for the Preacher’s reflections on how one should approach life in the midst of uncertainties.
  3. Living with Purpose, Joy, and Divine Assurance: Ecclesiastes 9 encourages a life lived with purpose and joy despite life’s uncertainties. The Preacher advocates for enjoying the simple pleasures of life, undertaking meaningful endeavors, and relishing the company of loved ones, all with the assurance that those who are sons of God remain in His hand both in life and death.
  4. The Call to Diligence and Wisdom: The chapter emphasizes the importance of diligence and wisdom in navigating life’s uncertainties. The Preacher encourages a proactive approach to work and decision-making, highlighting the role of wisdom in facing the challenges that arise.

As we delve into the profound insights of Ecclesiastes 9, let’s reflect on our own approach to life’s uncertainties. How can we embrace purpose, joy, and divine assurance, living meaningfully in the face of unpredictable events?

Share your thoughts on the call to diligence and wisdom as we navigate the uncertainties of life.

Ecclesiastes 9 invites us to seize the moments, find joy in our endeavors, and approach life with a wisdom that transcends the uncertainties that surround us, all while resting in the divine assurance that we are securely held in the hands of our Creator.

Join the conversation, and let’s explore together the enduring wisdom woven into this chapter, recognizing that despite the challenges that await us, we are ultimately in the hands of God.

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.

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.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Tribulation

Wrestling with Darkness – A Cry from the Depths (Job 3)

Enter the haunting shadows of Job 3, where the virtuous man, stripped of his fortune and health, releases a cry from the depths of his despair.

Join us as we explore the profound depths of human suffering, the questions it raises, and the raw honesty found in Job’s wrestling with darkness.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

Job 3

Job’s Lament

      1Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2And Job said,

      3“Let the day perish on which I was to be born,
And the night which said, ‘A boy is conceived.’

      4“May that day be darkness;
Let not God above care for it,
Nor light shine on it.

      5“Let darkness and black gloom claim it;
Let a cloud settle on it;
Let the blackness of the day terrify it.

      6“As for that night, let darkness seize it;
Let it not rejoice among the days of the year;
Let it not come into the number of the months.

      7“Behold, let that night be barren;
Let no joyful shout enter it.

      8“Let those curse it who curse the day,
Who are prepared to rouse Leviathan.

      9“Let the stars of its twilight be darkened;
Let it wait for light but have none,
And let it not see the breaking dawn;

      10Because it did not shut the opening of my mother’s womb,
Or hide trouble from my eyes.

      11“Why did I not die at birth,
Come forth from the womb and expire?

      12“Why did the knees receive me,
And why the breasts, that I should suck?

      13“For now I would have lain down and been quiet;
I would have slept then, I would have been at rest,

      14With kings and with counselors of the earth,
Who rebuilt ruins for themselves;

      15Or with princes who had gold,
Who were filling their houses with silver.

      16“Or like a miscarriage which is discarded, I would not be,
As infants that never saw light.

      17“There the wicked cease from raging,
And there the weary are at rest.

      18“The prisoners are at ease together;
They do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.

      19“The small and the great are there,
And the slave is free from his master.

      20“Why is light given to him who suffers,
And life to the bitter of soul,

      21Who long for death, but there is none,
And dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

      22Who rejoice greatly,
And exult when they find the grave?

      23“Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,
And whom God has hedged in?

      24“For my groaning comes at the sight of my food,
And my cries pour out like water.

      25“For what I fear comes upon me,
And what I dread befalls me.

      26“I am not at ease, nor am I quiet,
And I am not at rest, but turmoil comes.”

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Grief-Stricken Lament: Job, overwhelmed by the weight of his suffering, unleashes a torrent of grief and lament in Chapter 3. This poignant expression becomes a raw and unfiltered cry from the depths of his soul, revealing the profound anguish he experiences.
  2. The Desire for Nonexistence: Job’s lament goes beyond conventional expressions of sorrow. He passionately expresses a desire for the nonexistence, questioning the purpose of a life filled with such intense suffering.
  3. The Complexity of Human Suffering: Job 3 prompts us to grapple with the complexities of human suffering. It raises profound questions about the nature of pain, the role of God in our trials, and the depths of despair that even the most righteous can experience.
  4. The Unraveling of Job’s Faith: In this chapter, we witness Job’s faith being tested to its limits. The unraveling of his once unshakable trust in God reflects the brutal reality of wrestling with faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.

As we delve into the poignant verses of Job 3, let’s confront the raw honesty of human suffering and the questions it brings.

How do we grapple with darkness in our own lives, and where do we find hope amid despair?

Share your reflections on the complexities of pain and the challenges to faith.

Job’s cry echoes through the ages, inviting us to embrace the honesty of our struggles and find solace in the journey toward understanding.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let’s navigate together the profound depths of Job 3.

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.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Suffering / Adversity

Resilience in the Face of Adversity (Job 2)

Embark on a journey into the depths of resilience as we delve into Job 2, where the virtuous character of Job faces its most severe test.

Join us in exploring the profound insights on perseverance, faith, and unwavering trust in the midst of life’s harshest trials. (We will continue with a summary after the scripture.)

Job 2

Job Loses His Health

      1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. 2The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 3The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” 4Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5“However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” 6So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”

      7Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

      9Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

      11Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. 12When they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. 13Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Job’s Unfathomable Losses: In the aftermath of the initial trials, Job is struck with painful boils, adding physical affliction to his already staggering losses. Despite the depths of his suffering, Job’s response becomes a testament to enduring faith.
  2. The Unraveling Support of Job’s Wife: Job’s wife, witnessing his suffering, suggests that he curse God and die. Her reaction prompts us to reflect on the complex dynamics of support and faith within relationships during times of extreme adversity.
  3. The Arrival of Job’s Friends: Job is visited by three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who come to offer comfort. However, their presence sets the stage for a series of profound dialogues that explore the nature of suffering, justice, and the ways of God.
  4. Job’s Resilient Response: Despite the agony and the challenges to his faith, Job maintains his integrity and refuses to curse God. His resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity becomes a powerful example of unwavering trust in the midst of profound darkness.

As we navigate the poignant verses of Job 2, let’s reflect on the resilience exemplified by Job.

How can we draw inspiration from his unwavering trust during our own moments of adversity?

Comment below to share your thoughts on the dynamics of support in challenging times and the complexities of faith.

Job’s story invites us to cultivate a resilience that goes beyond circumstances, anchored in a faith that withstands even the fiercest storms.

Join the conversation, and let’s discover together the enduring lessons embedded in Job 2.

Share examples from your own life where you experienced hardship and challenges and how it affected you.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Tribulation

Navigating the Depths of Suffering and Faith (Job 1)

Enter the profound narrative of Job, a man of exemplary faith tested through unimaginable trials. In the opening chapter, we embark on a journey through the complexities of suffering and the resilience of unwavering faith. Join us as we delve into Job 1, seeking wisdom and insights that transcend the ages. (Full chapter included at end of article.)

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Righteousness of Job: Job is introduced as a man of exceptional righteousness, both in his deeds and his fear of God. His character sets the stage for the challenges that will unfold, showcasing the capacity of faith to withstand even the harshest trials.
  2. The Heavenly Council: The chapter provides a unique glimpse into the heavenly realm, where Satan challenges Job’s faith. God permits a series of calamities to befall Job, testing the depth of his devotion and trust.
  3. Loss and Suffering: In rapid succession, Job receives news of devastating losses—his livestock, servants, and even his children. Job’s response, characterized by deep grief yet profound faith, serves as a powerful example of resilience in the face of adversity.
  4. Job’s Remarkable Faith: Despite immense suffering, Job’s response is remarkable. He tears his robe, shaves his head, and falls to the ground in worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty even in the midst of profound loss.

As we begin our exploration of the Book of Job in Chapter 1, consider the timeless lessons embedded in Job’s response to suffering. How does his unwavering faith inspire you in your own trials?

Let Job’s example guide our reflections on the challenges we encounter, reminding us that, even in the depths of suffering, our faith can be an anchor.

Share your thoughts on the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.

 

Join the conversation by commenting below, and together, let’s draw strength from Job’s enduring testimony.

Job 1

Job’s Character and Wealth

      1There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.

      6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10“Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11“But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

Satan Allowed to Test Job

13Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

      20Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

21He said,
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

      22Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

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, Holy Spirit (hearing from God), Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh

Igniting the Flame of Faithful Living with the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1)

Embark on a journey through the transformative words of 1 Thessalonians 1, where the flame of faith is kindled, and the call to live a life of purpose and devotion resounds. Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom of this scripture, understanding how the Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in igniting our journey towards a more faithful and impactful life.

1 Thessalonians

      1Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

      2We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Power of Faith in Action: 1 Thessalonians 1 underscores the remarkable impact of faith in action. The Thessalonian believers serve as a powerful example of how genuine faith, fueled by the Holy Spirit, propels individuals to live with purpose and conviction.
  2. A Living Gospel: The verse reminds us that the message of the Gospel is not confined to words alone; it is a dynamic force that transforms lives and communities through the active presence of the Holy Spirit.
  3. The Holy Spirit as Guide: Recognizing the Holy Spirit as our guide, 1 Thessalonians 1 inspires us to align our lives with the Spirit, allowing its transformative power to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
  4. Imitating Christ: Through the Thessalonians’ example, we are encouraged to imitate Christ, leaning on the Holy Spirit to become beacons of hope, love, and faith in the world.

As we immerse ourselves in the inspiring words of 1 Thessalonians 1, let’s consider how our lives reflect the transformative power of faith through the Holy Spirit.

How can we, with the guidance of the Spirit, live out the Gospel in our actions and interactions?

Take a moment to reflect on the ways the Holy Spirit can kindle the flame of faith in your daily life.

Share your insights and aspirations in the comments, and let’s inspire one another to live purposefully, imitating Christ through the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit.

Together, let’s set ablaze a world touched by the genuine and impactful flame of faith and the Holy Spirit.

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, Learning To Pray Effectively, Merciful, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Finding Refuge in the Midst of Fear (Psalm 56)

Enter the heartfelt verses of Psalm 56, a poetic journey penned by David during a time of intense fear and uncertainty.

Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom of this psalm, discovering the profound message it holds for those navigating the challenges of fear and seeking refuge in the embrace of faith.

Psalm 56

Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God.

For the choir director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me;
Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

      2My foes have trampled upon me all day long,
For they are many who fight proudly against me.

      3When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.

      4In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?

      5All day long they distort my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.

      6They attack, they lurk,
They watch my steps,
As they have waited to take my life.

      7Because of wickedness, cast them forth,
In anger put down the peoples, O God!

      8You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?

      9Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
This I know, that God is for me.

      10In God, whose word I praise,
In the LORD, whose word I praise,

      11In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

      12Your vows are binding upon me, O God;
I will render thank offerings to You.

      13For You have delivered my soul from death,
Indeed my feet from stumbling,
So that I may walk before God
In the light of the living.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Mercy: Psalm 56 begins with a desperate plea for mercy as David finds himself in a vulnerable and threatening situation. His transparent cry reflects the human experience of facing fear and adversity.
  2. Confidence in God’s Protection: Amidst the peril, David expresses unwavering confidence in God’s ability to protect and deliver. The psalm serves as a reminder that, even in the face of fear, placing trust in the Almighty brings comfort and assurance.
  3. The Power of Trust: David’s trust in God is not just a passive acknowledgment but an active decision to place his confidence in the Divine. This choice becomes a source of strength and courage in the midst of life’s storms.
  4. A Song of Deliverance: As the psalm progresses, David transitions from fear to a declaration of praise, anticipating the deliverance that he believes is certain. It illustrates the transformative power of trust and faith in God’s steadfast love.

As we delve into the soul-soothing verses of Psalm 56, let’s reflect on the powerful themes of trust and refuge in the face of fear.

How can David’s example inspire us in our own moments of uncertainty?

Share your thoughts on finding courage through faith and the transformative power of trusting in God’s mercy.

Together, let’s draw strength from Psalm 56 and encourage one another to face our fears with unwavering faith, confident in the refuge found in the Almighty.

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, Arrogance, Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Lessons from the Ruin of Babylon for Modern Times (Jeremiah 51)

In the pages of Jeremiah 51, we uncover a fascinating tale of an ancient empire’s rise and fall. But it’s not just a history lesson; it’s a timeless message that speaks to our world today. Discover the surprising relevance of this ancient prophecy for our lives.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Pride and Hubris of Empires: Just as Babylon’s pride led to its downfall, nations and individuals today are reminded of the danger of arrogance and tyranny.
  2. The Role of Divine Justice: Jeremiah 51 illustrates the role of divine justice in the course of history, emphasizing the need for righteousness, obedience, and compassion in our actions.
  3. The Power of Faith: In the midst of upheaval and uncertainty, Jeremiah’s message also highlights the power of faith in God to guide us through turbulent times.
  4. The Call for Transformation: The lessons from Babylon’s fall challenge us to examine our own lives and societies, striving for positive change and a commitment to God’s values.

Jeremiah 51 beckons us to look beyond the historical narrative and reflect on the values and principles that still resonate today. As we explore the rise and fall of Babylon, let’s examine our own lives and the world we live in. How can we seek justice, humility, obedience to God, and righteousness in our actions? How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride and arrogance?

Let’s draw inspiration from this ancient text and make a commitment to live by these timeless values. Share your thoughts and be part of the ongoing conversation about the relevance of Jeremiah 51 in our lives today!

Jeremiah 51

Babylon Judged for Sins against Israel

      1Thus says the LORD:
“Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon
And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai
The spirit of a destroyer.

      2“I will dispatch foreigners to Babylon that they may winnow her
And may devastate her land;
For on every side they will be opposed to her
In the day of her calamity.

      3“Let not him who bends his bow bend it,
Nor let him rise up in his scale-armor;
So do not spare her young men;
Devote all her army to destruction.

      4“They will fall down slain in the land of the Chaldeans,
And pierced through in their streets.”

      5For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken
By his God, the LORD of hosts,
Although their land is full of guilt
Before the Holy One of Israel.

      6Flee from the midst of Babylon,
And each of you save his life!
Do not be destroyed in her punishment,
For this is the LORD’S time of vengeance;
He is going to render recompense to her.

      7Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the LORD,
Intoxicating all the earth.
The nations have drunk of her wine;
Therefore the nations are going mad.

      8Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken;
Wail over her!
Bring balm for her pain;
Perhaps she may be healed.

      9We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed;
Forsake her and let us each go to his own country,
For her judgment has reached to heaven
And towers up to the very skies.

      10The LORD has brought about our vindication;
Come and let us recount in Zion
The work of the LORD our God!

      11Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers!
The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes,
Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it;
For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple.

      12Lift up a signal against the walls of Babylon;
Post a strong guard,
Station sentries,
Place men in ambush!
For the LORD has both purposed and performed
What He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.

      13O you who dwell by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your end.

      14The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself:
“Surely I will fill you with a population like locusts,
And they will cry out with shouts of victory over you.”

      15It is He who made the earth by His power,
Who established the world by His wisdom,
And by His understanding He stretched out the heavens.

      16When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
And He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain
And brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

      17All mankind is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
For his molten images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.

      18They are worthless, a work of mockery;
In the time of their punishment they will perish.

      19The portion of Jacob is not like these;
For the Maker of all is He,
And of the tribe of His inheritance;
The LORD of hosts is His name.

      20He says, “You are My war-club, My weapon of war;
And with you I shatter nations,
And with you I destroy kingdoms.

      21“With you I shatter the horse and his rider,
And with you I shatter the chariot and its rider,

      22And with you I shatter man and woman,
And with you I shatter old man and youth,
And with you I shatter young man and virgin,

      23And with you I shatter the shepherd and his flock,
And with you I shatter the farmer and his team,
And with you I shatter governors and prefects.

      24“But I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all their evil that they have done in Zion before your eyes,” declares the LORD.

      25“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain,
Who destroys the whole earth,” declares the LORD,
“And I will stretch out My hand against you,
And roll you down from the crags,
And I will make you a burnt out mountain.

      26“They will not take from you even a stone for a corner
Nor a stone for foundations,
But you will be desolate forever,” declares the LORD.

      27Lift up a signal in the land,
Blow a trumpet among the nations!
Consecrate the nations against her,
Summon against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz;
Appoint a marshal against her,
Bring up the horses like bristly locusts.

      28Consecrate the nations against her,
The kings of the Medes,
Their governors and all their prefects,
And every land of their dominion.

      29So the land quakes and writhes,
For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand,
To make the land of Babylon
A desolation without inhabitants.

      30The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting,
They stay in the strongholds;
Their strength is exhausted,
They are becoming like women;
Their dwelling places are set on fire,
The bars of her gates are broken.

      31One courier runs to meet another,
And one messenger to meet another,
To tell the king of Babylon
That his city has been captured from end to end;

      32The fords also have been seized,
And they have burned the marshes with fire,
And the men of war are terrified.

      33For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
“The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor
At the time it is stamped firm;
Yet in a little while the time of harvest will come for her.”

      34“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me and crushed me,
He has set me down like an empty vessel;
He has swallowed me like a monster,
He has filled his stomach with my delicacies;
He has washed me away.

      35“May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,”
The inhabitant of Zion will say;
And, “May my blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea,”
Jerusalem will say.

36Therefore thus says the LORD,
“Behold, I am going to plead your case
And exact full vengeance for you;
And I will dry up her sea
And make her fountain dry.

      37“Babylon will become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals,
An object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants.

      38“They will roar together like young lions,
They will growl like lions’ cubs.

      39“When they become heated up, I will serve them their banquet
And make them drunk, that they may become jubilant
And may sleep a perpetual sleep
And not wake up,” declares the LORD.

      40“I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter,
Like rams together with male goats.

      41“How Sheshak has been captured,
And the praise of the whole earth been seized!
How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations!

      42“The sea has come up over Babylon;
She has been engulfed with its tumultuous waves.

      43“Her cities have become an object of horror,
A parched land and a desert,
A land in which no man lives
And through which no son of man passes.

      44“I will punish Bel in Babylon,
And I will make what he has swallowed come out of his mouth;
And the nations will no longer stream to him.
Even the wall of Babylon has fallen down!

      45“Come forth from her midst, My people,
And each of you save yourselves
From the fierce anger of the LORD.

      46“Now so that your heart does not grow faint,
And you are not afraid at the report that will be heard in the land—
For the report will come one year,
And after that another report in another year,
And violence will be in the land
With ruler against ruler—

      47Therefore behold, days are coming
When I will punish the idols of Babylon;
And her whole land will be put to shame
And all her slain will fall in her midst.

      48“Then heaven and earth and all that is in them
Will shout for joy over Babylon,
For the destroyers will come to her from the north,”
Declares the LORD.

      49Indeed Babylon is to fall for the slain of Israel,
As also for Babylon the slain of all the earth have fallen.

      50You who have escaped the sword,
Depart! Do not stay!
Remember the LORD from afar,
And let Jerusalem come to your mind.

      51We are ashamed because we have heard reproach;
Disgrace has covered our faces,
For aliens have entered
The holy places of the LORD’S house.

      52“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“When I will punish her idols,
And the mortally wounded will groan throughout her land.

      53“Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens,
And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold,
From Me destroyers will come to her,” declares the LORD.

      54The sound of an outcry from Babylon,
And of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

      55For the LORD is going to destroy Babylon,
And He will make her loud noise vanish from her.
And their waves will roar like many waters;
The tumult of their voices sounds forth.

      56For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon,
And her mighty men will be captured,
Their bows are shattered;
For the LORD is a God of recompense,
He will fully repay.

      57“I will make her princes and her wise men drunk,
Her governors, her prefects and her mighty men,
That they may sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake up,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

58Thus says the LORD of hosts,
“The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed
And her high gates will be set on fire;
So the peoples will toil for nothing,
And the nations become exhausted only for fire.”

      59The message which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the grandson of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. (Now Seraiah was quartermaster.) 60So Jeremiah wrote in a single scroll all the calamity which would come upon Babylon, that is, all these words which have been written concerning Babylon. 61Then Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “As soon as you come to Babylon, then see that you read all these words aloud, 62and say, ‘You, O LORD, have promised concerning this place to cut it off, so that there will be nothing dwelling in it, whether man or beast, but it will be a perpetual desolation.’ 63“And as soon as you finish reading this scroll, you will tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, 64and say, ‘Just so shall Babylon sink down and not rise again because of the calamity that I am going to bring upon her; and they will become exhausted.’” Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

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, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Jeremiah 48: A Reminder to Be Diligent in What God Calls us to Do

📖 Discover how ancient wisdom from the Book of Jeremiah can guide us through life’s challenges and help us emerge stronger! Dive into today’s message and be inspired. 🙏

In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 48, we find valuable insights that can illuminate our path through the trials of life. This chapter prophecies the story of Moab, a nation that would face adversity brought upon them by God.

Jeremiah 48:10 (NIV) says, “A curse on anyone who is lax in doing the Lord’s work! A curse on anyone who keeps their sword from bloodshed!”

This verse reminds us of the importance of being diligent in our faith and in the work that God has called us to do. It speaks to the need for perseverance in our spiritual journey and to be willing to stand up and fight for God among those who stand against Him.

Jeremiah 48

Prophecy against Moab

      1Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,
“Woe to Nebo, for it has been destroyed;
Kiriathaim has been put to shame, it has been captured;
The lofty stronghold has been put to shame and shattered.

      2“There is praise for Moab no longer;
In Heshbon they have devised calamity against her:
‘Come and let us cut her off from being a nation!’
You too, Madmen, will be silenced;
The sword will follow after you.

      3“The sound of an outcry from Horonaim,
‘Devastation and great destruction!’

      4“Moab is broken,
Her little ones have sounded out a cry of distress.

      5“For by the ascent of Luhith
They will ascend with continual weeping;
For at the descent of Horonaim
They have heard the anguished cry of destruction.

      6“Flee, save your lives,
That you may be like a juniper in the wilderness.

      7“For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures,
Even you yourself will be captured;
And Chemosh will go off into exile
Together with his priests and his princes.

      8“A destroyer will come to every city,
So that no city will escape;
The valley also will be ruined
And the plateau will be destroyed,
As the LORD has said.

      9“Give wings to Moab,
For she will flee away;
And her cities will become a desolation,
Without inhabitants in them.

      10“Cursed be the one who does the LORD’S work negligently,
And cursed be the one who restrains his sword from blood.

      11“Moab has been at ease since his youth;
He has also been undisturbed, like wine on its dregs,
And he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel,
Nor has he gone into exile.
Therefore he retains his flavor,
And his aroma has not changed.

12“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will send to him those who tip vessels, and they will tip him over, and they will empty his vessels and shatter his jars. 13“And Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.

      14“How can you say, ‘We are mighty warriors,
And men valiant for battle’?

      15“Moab has been destroyed and men have gone up to his cities;
His choicest young men have also gone down to the slaughter,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

      16“The disaster of Moab will soon come,
And his calamity has swiftly hastened.

      17“Mourn for him, all you who live around him,
Even all of you who know his name;
Say, ‘How has the mighty scepter been broken,
A staff of splendor!’

      18“Come down from your glory
And sit on the parched ground,
O daughter dwelling in Dibon,
For the destroyer of Moab has come up against you,
He has ruined your strongholds.

      19“Stand by the road and keep watch,
O inhabitant of Aroer;
Ask him who flees and her who escapes
And say, ‘What has happened?’

      20“Moab has been put to shame, for it has been shattered.
Wail and cry out;
Declare by the Arnon
That Moab has been destroyed.

      21“Judgment has also come upon the plain, upon Holon, Jahzah and against Mephaath, 22against Dibon, Nebo and Beth-diblathaim, 23against Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul and Beth-meon, 24against Kerioth, Bozrah and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near. 25“The horn of Moab has been cut off and his arm broken,” declares the LORD. 26“Make him drunk, for he has become arrogant toward the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his vomit, and he also will become a laughingstock. 27“Now was not Israel a laughingstock to you? Or was he caught among thieves? For each time you speak about him you shake your head in scorn.

      28“Leave the cities and dwell among the crags,
O inhabitants of Moab,
And be like a dove that nests
Beyond the mouth of the chasm.

      29“We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud—
Of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance and his self-exaltation.

      30“I know his fury,” declares the LORD,
“But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.

      31“Therefore I will wail for Moab,
Even for all Moab will I cry out;
I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

      32“More than the weeping for Jazer
I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah!
Your tendrils stretched across the sea,
They reached to the sea of Jazer;
Upon your summer fruits and your grape harvest
The destroyer has fallen.

      33“So gladness and joy are taken away
From the fruitful field, even from the land of Moab.
And I have made the wine to cease from the wine presses;
No one will tread them with shouting,
The shouting will not be shouts of joy.

34“From the outcry at Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz they have raised their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim and to Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim will become desolate. 35“I will make an end of Moab,” declares the LORD, “the one who offers sacrifice on the high place and the one who burns incense to his gods.

      36“Therefore My heart wails for Moab like flutes; My heart also wails like flutes for the men of Kir-heres. Therefore they have lost the abundance it produced. 37“For every head is bald and every beard cut short; there are gashes on all the hands and sackcloth on the loins. 38“On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD. 39“How shattered it is! How they have wailed! How Moab has turned his back—he is ashamed! So Moab will become a laughingstock and an object of terror to all around him.”

      40For thus says the LORD:
“Behold, one will fly swiftly like an eagle
And spread out his wings against Moab.

      41“Kerioth has been captured
And the strongholds have been seized,
So the hearts of the mighty men of Moab in that day
Will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

      42“Moab will be destroyed from being a people
Because he has become arrogant toward the LORD.

      43“Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you,
O inhabitant of Moab,” declares the LORD.

      44“The one who flees from the terror
Will fall into the pit,
And the one who climbs up out of the pit
Will be caught in the snare;
For I shall bring upon her, even upon Moab,
The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

      45“In the shadow of Heshbon
The fugitives stand without strength;
For a fire has gone forth from Heshbon
And a flame from the midst of Sihon,
And it has devoured the forehead of Moab
And the scalps of the riotous revelers.

      46“Woe to you, Moab!
The people of Chemosh have perished;
For your sons have been taken away captive
And your daughters into captivity.

      47“Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
In the latter days,” declares the LORD.
Thus far the judgment on Moab.

Call to Action:

  1. Diligence in Faith: Let’s commit ourselves to be diligent in our faith, not only in times of ease but especially when faced with adversity. Trust that God is with us, and His work continues through us.
  2. Overcoming Challenges: Just as Moab faced challenges, we, too, encounter obstacles on our path. Seek strength and guidance in prayer and reflection, knowing that God can bring triumph from trials.
  3. Helping Others: Don’t withhold your “sword” of assistance when others are in need. Extend your hand to those facing difficulties, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
  4. Stay in the Word: Dive deeper into the scriptures, like Jeremiah 48, for timeless wisdom to navigate life’s complexities.

Let’s apply these teachings from Jeremiah 48 to our lives today, finding strength in adversity, and working diligently in God’s service. Remember, challenges are opportunities for growth. 🌱

Let’s discuss your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you found strength in adversity, and how can we support each other on this journey of faith?

Blessings, [Your Name]

User
add in emphasis that even though God brought judgment on moab, in verse 47 he promises restoration in the future. we can take hope in the fact that God is a god of restoration and we should ask forgiveness and repent of any wrong we are doing or have done.

Call to Action:

  1. Diligence in Faith: Let’s commit ourselves to be diligent in our faith, not only in times of ease but especially when faced with adversity. Trust that God is with us, and His work continues through us.
  2. Overcoming Challenges: Just as Moab faced challenges, we, too, encounter obstacles on our path. Seek strength and guidance in prayer and reflection, knowing that God can bring triumph from trials.
  3. Hope in Restoration: Remember that God is a God of restoration. Take hope in the promise of restoration for Moab, and recognize that God offers forgiveness and a fresh start to all who turn to Him in repentance.
  4. Seek Forgiveness and Repentance: If there is any wrongdoing or sin in your life, now is the time to seek God’s forgiveness and turn away from it. His grace is abundant, and He offers us a path to restoration.

Let’s apply these teachings from Jeremiah 48 to our lives today, finding strength in adversity, and working diligently in God’s service while placing our hope in His promise of restoration. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and God’s love and mercy are boundless. 🌱

Let’s discuss your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you found strength in adversity, and how can we support each other on this journey of faith and restoration?

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

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.

 

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Guide, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer

The Fool Has Said in His Heart There Is No God

It is folly for man to reject God, and man left to his own folly inevitably embraces wickedness. It is not complicated. There is a Creator who made everything. He gives us an instruction book in the Bible. He tells us what is good and what is evil. His instructions are based on loving God and loving one another.

Matthew 22:38-40

38“This is the great and foremost commandment. 39“The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

When we reject God and follow after our own path we end in sin and selfishness… in wickedness and folly.

Psalm 53

For the choir director; according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David.

      1The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God,”
They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice;
There is no one who does good.

      2God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men
To see if there is anyone who understands,
Who seeks after God.

      3Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good, not even one.

      4Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge,
Who eat up My people as though they ate bread
And have not called upon God?

      5There they were in great fear where no fear had been;
For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you;
You put them to shame, because God had rejected them.

      6Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores His captive people,
Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

We each must choose a path… do we trust and obey in Jehovah and seek Him through Jesus Christ? or do we choose our own way?  One way is narrow and leads to life, and the other is broad and looks “fun” and leads to destruction.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

  26“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today; 28and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.

Matthew 7:13-14

13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Which path will you choose? Once on the path, will you remain at the gate, or follow along the journey to grow closer to Christ? Just like the metaphor of the narrow path, to travel farther on this path we must wake up each day and decide in which direction we will travel that day. As trials and struggles come against us, we must choose to continue to move down that path. This is how we invite God to transform our lives and make us more like Jesus Christ. It is a journey of many small steps rather than a believer being magically changed all at once. It is a journey that lasts a lifetime and we never “finish” the journey, but it transforms us along the way!

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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.