Jeremiah 17- God Speaks

 

We need healing & salvation every moment until we are glorified and in His presence.  He is offering that to each one of us, all we have to do is listen, receive His gift of grace and mercy…then follow Him.

Jeremiah 16- Punishment & Restoration

 

This heartbreaking chapter tells about how God has lost His patience and is finally sending the punishment that the people of Israel deserve…but He ends with a promise of restoration.  Lord in this time, when You are bringing My boy low, will You remind me of restoration.  Remind me of Your power and might, Your strength and reputation…You are a God of mercy and grace.

Jeremiah 15- God Is…

 

This chapter sees God speaking about what He will accomplish over and over again.  Much of it is focused on allowing destruction and punishment…but then Jeremiah pours out his heart.  And this is Gods answer of protection and restoration.  Interestingly, God doesn’t tell him that he will be free of trouble, but rather that he will enable him to endure the trial and redeem him.

Probably not very comforting, but so good to know that God is working…even in situations that seem hopeless.  Lord, help me to trust that you are at work, even when I don’t see it.

Jeremiah 14- Hope

 

Discipline is hard and punishment feels terrible…but Jeremiah reminds us that since it is God who metes out these things, there is hope.  Hope because of Gods character, who He is and the reason for it.  His intentions are to draw us into right thinking and obedience…not because He likes order, but because we can flourish within the boundaries He created.

Jeremiah 13- Listen & Obey

 

Gods instructions are clear and He uses all of scripture to tell us how to live a life of flourishing.  Yet it was easy for the Israelites and even for us to respond with, but that doesn’t mean me…I can still do what I want.  Destruction and chaos are what comes when we are going our own way.

Jeremiah 12- Seen by God

 

How incredible is the fact the God sees us, knows us, cares for us and even loves us?!?  It may be easier to think this at times when we are near to God, but Jeremiah is saying this prayer while they are struggling/rejecting God.  They are far from Him, yet are intimately seen.

Lord, bring my heart close to You.  Remind me of how clearly You see me. Don’t let my self centered thoughts be convincing that You are not near…let me feel Your presence and know Your care for me.  Help me trust You and nothing else!

Jeremiah 11- Clear Instruction

 

God has given us clear instructions on how to live a life of flourishing.  Yet we so often ignore His Word, and do whatever we think is best…many times doing the exact opposite of His instructions.  Why do we insist on this rebellion?  Lord, strengthen my resolve to be surrendered to You!