October 29 Listen and obey

Reading: Jeremiah 26,35-36 and Romans 2

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:18-19, But to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father and kept all his precepts and done all that he commanded you, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me.”

Thoughts: As we come before God and offer ourselves to him as a living sacrifice, to let him lead us and give us directions for our day, week, or year, are we truly being open to obey all that Gad call us to? I know that I struggle with listening to all what God says, do I really want to go to that dirty homeless person and try to show God’s love or go to my coworkers and share my Father in heaven with them? Not really, but sometime I listen and obey, anyone with children know how hard it is to get them to do anything the first time we ask, we have some of the same attitude when it comes to many things God tells us to do. Because of the obedience of Jonadab God promised that he would not lack a man to stand before God. Are we living out the obedience we have been called to and showing the generation behind us what it looks like to be Men and Women of God and how to be obedient even when we are scared and don’t want to do it? Let us strive to be obedient to the point that out children and those around us want to be obedient as well because of the peace and joy you give us through that obedience. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the one who calls us and askes us to walk in your ways. I ask that you help us to obey, help us to open our ears to hear your directions and open our eyes to see your path before us. Even though we may only see the next step help us to have the faith to take that step and keep moving forward. 

October 28 Calling all shepherds!!!

Reading: Jeremiah 23 & 25 and Romans 1

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-2, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord.”

Thoughts: As I was reading this passage, I thought about the different churches I have been to over the years, and they not just had different looks and feelings to them but there were also sight differences in teaching focuses. We all should be growing in our faith and sharing that faith with those in the world around us. As a parent I have a flock of 2 and my wife and I shepherd them the best we can. I also place these words into the world to help teach and open the eyes to God’s continual speaking through his Word. When I read this not only do I feel the burden of teaching and raising my children to know the father, but I also feel the burden to not lead any astray. I may not be a shepherd directly, but God will hold me accountable if I lead his sheep astray. What influence do you have in your life and are you using it to point to God and his glory? 

Prayer: Father God you are worthy of all praise and you are the creator of all things and give and take away authority in this world. I thank you that you are providing for all our needs and even bless us with things we did not dream. You are the way the truth and the life, I thank you that you are molding and refining me that I can be a pure vessel to glorify you. 

Focus...Can you hear?

Reading: 2 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 43, Acts 28, and 2 Corinthians 12

Scripture: Acts 28:26-27, Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

Thoughts: We have been given the opportunity to see and hear clearly, we may have been healed to as it says at the end of the passage. Unfortunately, we all tend to want to pick our old chains, return to our old ways, in doing so again our eyes will dim and our ears will quiet. When we take time to be in God’s word every day, seeking to deepen and strengthen our relationship with God, our eyes are cleared our ears are restored and we develop a mind that can understand and perceive. Let us set aside the distractions and focus on the father above. 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your word is alive and active, sharper than any two edged sword. I thank you that your word cuts me to the core and opens my heart to the things of you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings in my life. I thank you for the molding and refining you are continuing to do in my life. I ask that you help me to walk in your ways and lead my family in seeking you all their lives. 

Following...

Reading: Jeremiah 19-20, Psalm 146, Acts 27, and 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture: Psalm 146:3-5, Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Thoughts: Here in The United States, more and more trust and reliance in the political leaders has been building to the point that there are those who blindly follow different groups. The Psalmist started praising God then moved into a warning about following a political leader, at the time they were kings and princes, today we have presidents and other politicians who are calling to be followed. Are our leaders following God or their own ambitions? Are we following God or men who’s ambitions, and plans will die with them? Get in the Word and seek God’s plans that will not fail or die.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the way and the truth, you are the one who lead and guides us. I thank you that you are here with us. I thank you that you are molding and guiding me and refining me to reflect you more. I ask that you help me to have discernment and understanding of the situation around me and that I may point to you as my provider. 

Molding nations

Reading: Jeremiah 17-18, Acts 18, and 2 Corinthians 10

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:6, O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

Thoughts: Jeremiah just watched a potter working and reworking a lump of clay when God tells him that He (God) can do it with a nation. He does not tell us how he forms and reforms the nations. When we look at the history of Israel, how many times were they taken into captivity or nearly obliterated as a people. The nation of Israel was reestablished in 1948 after many conflicts. God’s hand had to be on this people nation who were able to retain their identity without a land to call their own. If God can mold nation like a potter molds clay, what can he do in your life if you let him? Open your heart to the change and molding He has for you.

Prayer: Father God, you are the potter and the refiner, you mold people and states and countries. I thank you that you are working ion my life, I thank you that you are leading and guiding your people. I thank you that you are molding and refining my life that I may walk in your ways. I ask that you open my heart and mind to the leading of your molding and that I may be your vessel. 

We are racing?

Reading: Jeremiah 11-12, Psalm 97, Acts 23, and 2 Corinthians 7

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

 

Thoughts: Over the last few years the divide between the left and the right has been getting so massive that instead of living together and living the the knowledge that there are other with different views on things, we are almost at war. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Paul is reminding us to train and work ourselves to be ready for the race where Jeremiah is telling we are going to have greater trials and if we are struggling with these how are we to overcome the bigger things God has before us. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are my strength and my shield, you glory shine and declares you majesty. I thank you that you are always leading and guiding me, you are preparing me for the trials that I’m not yet in. I thank you for the molding and refining, for the provisions and blessing you pour out on us and lead me in. I ask that you help me to not be wearied but the men that I may run with the horses. 

Testing and refining.

Reading: Jeremiah 9-10, Psalm 100, Acts 22, and 2 Corinthians 6

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:7, Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do, because of my people? 

Thoughts: As followers of Christ we have been adopted into His family and are God’s people. As his people we are called to a higher standard. The world only has the worlds rules and regulation to live by and there are those who can not even live up to that standard. Like gold and silver to get it pure it takes heat and time to bring the impurities to the surface to be removed. There are tests to determine how pure it is, and it can be determined what the impurities are there and can adjust how to continue with the refining. Jeremiah was telling Israel that they were going to be tested and refined, we need to be prepared for the same thing as God’s people he is calling us to be perfect and our entire life is a refining process that will end with us being raise into his perfection. In his refining in our life we will overcome things and become better reflections of God. 

Prayer: Father God you are the great refiner and the one who molds us. We that you that you use all things for the good of all who love you and you call yours. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me molding and refining me. I ask that you help me to walk out your calling and your will.

Those well-meaning friends.

Reading: Jeremiah 7-8 and Acts 21

Scripture: Acts 21:13-14, Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Thoughts: We all have had of still have that well-meaning friend that trying to convince you that you should not do something because it is dangerous or any other reason that applies to the situation. After this prophecy telling Paul that he was going to be bound and arrested, Paul told them in the words of Sponge Bob “I’m Ready” Paul knew God was doing something and that he was willing to walk it out to the point of death. My question to you is, who are you listening to? Are we letting the world tell us who we are and what we can or can’t do or are we standing on the promises of God found in his Word and walking boldly into the lion’s den that is before us because that is the way God pointed us? 

Prayer: Lord God, your plans and ways are sop much greater than mine, I thank you that you are leading and guiding me, I thank you that you are molding me and refining me that I can walk the path you have before me. Help me to overcome those who are trying to keep me from your plan. May the distractions of this world fade and the lamp that you give me light my way. 

I will not pay attention.

Reading: Jeremiah 5-6 and Acts 20

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:17-19, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’ Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them. Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.

Thoughts: Jeremiah may have been writing to Israel and pay attention to what is going on, and that there will be disaster if they did not listen to God. We are similarly warned, our disaster may not be other nations coming to take us over, but we are in a spiritual war, we are fighting against the influence of the evil one who is coming at us every day though the influences of the world around us. The world makes all sorts of entertaining and interesting thing that may not be evil, but cause is to lose focus or take our eyes off what the Lord has called us to. When we are continually looking at the next shiny thing, we may miss the enemy lurking at the gate or some of the beauty that God as created for us. Let us be diligent and discerning on what we put our time to and seek God’s will. 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your creation shouts of your glory and the beauty of this world points to you. I thank you that you are calling us and guiding us. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us and that you are molding me and refining me into the man you need me to be. I ask that you help me to cut out distractions of this world and pour myself into your will for my life. Lead me and guide me in your plans. 

Charged with rioting

Reading: Jeremiah 3-4 and Acts 19

Scripture: Acts 19:32&40, Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.

Thoughts: It has been interesting to see how over the last several years with the increase of protest and demonstrations around the country, that when the media is there covering it, that half the time if not more when they ask the participants what they are protesting, they will get several answers. What was going on back in Acts 19 was just the same way there was one person who was pouring so much unrest into the situation that it became a mob. As followers of Christ, we are not to create a mob of disorganized people shouting against the different things that we are against, We are called to share God’s Love and the Gospel that we have a way to get into right standing with God thought the reconciliation offered though His Son. Are we going to be a part of a mob screaming and yelling and not getting anything done other that possibly having collateral damage and pushing people further from a Father calling to them? 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the one in control, you lead us and guide us in all we do. You have offered us a way back into relationship with you. I thank you that you are molding and refining me that I may be a better reflection of you. Help me to get out of the crowd and stand for you in the ways you have called me to stand. You have a purpose of each of us and I ask that you help me to see that and walk in it. 

Wild vines and soup

Reading: Jeremiah 1-2 and Acts 18

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:21-22, Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine? Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God.

Thoughts: I grew up in a Christian family, going to church, then as I got the freedom of getting out of my parent’s house, I found myself chasing after the things and pleasures that comes with that freedom. After two divorces and about twelve years of putting God on the furthest burner I could he called me again. I was planted in good soil and had every opportunity to be a choice vine, of pure seed. Instead of abiding in God and seeking him a ran after the fleeting joy of the here and now instead of the eternal Joy that God offers. As I started feeling that call back to God I tried washing myself but nothing but the true repentance and acceptance of what Jesus did for me was able to remove the chains and weights that I was carrying. I have seen so many people who grew up in the church and then become the wild vine producing the things of this world. Let us seek the Lord and allow his love to wash over us and call us to leave behind the things of this world. 

Prayer: Lord God, your peace and joy overwhelm me, you are calling us to seek you and walk with you. I thank you that you are calling and that you are leading. I thankyou that you hare molding and refining me into the man you have called. I ask that you help me to release the chains and weights I still hold onto. 

Have you heard this...

Reading: 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 35, and Acts 15

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:2, And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord.

Thoughts: King Josiah after having the Scriptures brought to him when they were found and realizing what he had he took it to the temple and read it to all who would listen. We have the Word of God available to us at the tips of our fingers, yet do we pour over it, study it and seek the truths within, or have we let it sit on the shelf and collect dust until it is time to take it out again. Are we living out what we are reading and sharing the good news to all those around us? Let us be like King Josiah and share the word with those around us. 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things and the author of the victory. I thank you that you have called me, and you know me. I thank you for your forgiveness as I have fallen. I thank you that you are working in my life and that you are molding and refining me every day. I ask that you help me to stand for what you stand for, help me to walk the path you have for me and in the boldness that you have called me to. 

Where is my...

Reading: 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34, and Acts 14

Scripture: 2 Kings 22:8, And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

Thoughts: How many of us only access to God’s word through an app on our phones or by searching it on the internet. There have been times in my life that I could not have told you where my Bible was. I have lost them and even had one stolen out of my car. There may be a day where things get so censored that the Word of God will be removed from the convenient places. Isaiah warns us say “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” there is a time coming where Followers of Christ will be seen as evil and we are going to be blocked and tracked so keep us from sharing the Good News. We need to have the good news written on our heart and minds, it also would not heart having a physical copy of the Word of God that nobody can edit it or just make it disappear. When the book of the law was found one of the first things they did was to sit down and read it. Let us set aside time to read God’s word every day.

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, you made all things and your glory shines about this place and speaks of your glory. I thank you that you have given us your word and the ability to abide in it and you. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you are pouring out on us and the molding and refining you are working in our lives. Help us to desire to be in your Word more and write it on our hearts. 

Lighting bolts from heaven.

Reading: Nahum 1-3 and Acts 13

Scripture: Nahum 1:2-3, The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Thoughts:  So many people have the image of God being a spiteful and vengeful God that is just sitting in heaven like Zeus waiting to throw a lighting bolt at us every time we mess up or something. The seconds half of this passage got me seeing one of the early scenes in the movie Thor where Thor’s arrival on earth looks like a dust storm. When you are at enmity with God it is easy to focus on the wrath that was poured out in different places in the Old Testament from kicking Adam and Eve out or Eden, Flooding the entire world, to pelting Sodom and Gomorrah with sulfur and fire. We seem to be shown lots of jealousy from God. God is just meaning that we have to look at what we deserve, according to romans 6:23 we deserve death because of sin, not because you did good, not that your good outweighs your bad but the wages of sin is death. Now that we know what we deserve in the same verse he gives us a way out, the gift of eternal life. To get this life is the belief and trust in the Son, Jesus the Christ. Depending on what side of the relationship with Jesus and God will determine if you are getting your wages or a Gift. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are so awesome and your power and majesty leave me on my knees mute and unmoving. You know all I have done and all I have thought and you still call me and draw me to you. I thank you that you are calling me, you call me to grow and learn. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me into the man you are calling me to be. I thank you that you are lighting the path and I ask that you help me to see the next step that you are placing before me and calling me to walk out. 

We also believe, and so we also speak?

Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 75, Acts 12, and 2 Corinthians 4

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:13-14, Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

Thoughts: Paul when he said “I believed, and so I spoke: was referring to Psalm 116, talking about being greatly afflicted when they believe and speak. When we truly believe and seek God with all our heart we are called to speak, no matter the consequences. We know our Lord Jesus who has risen will raise us into his presence. We are to stand for God and his truth no matter what happens to this body. The world is being influenced by the evil one who is only here to steal, kill, and destroy. Let us stand up and proclaim the Gospel, the Good News to the world. 

Prayer: You are the way, the truth, and the life, there is no way to the Father except through you. I thank you that you are working in my life. I ask that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for the molding and refining you are doing in our lives. Lead me and guide me. Help me to be more bold, and shine as your light in the dark world. 

Creator or creation

Reading: Isaiah 46-47, Psalm 35, Acts 3, and 1 Corinthians 13

Scripture: Isaiah 46:6-7, Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.

Thoughts: Here again Isaiah is writing about something being turned into a god, we have had wood and now gold and sliver being taken to be sculpted into gods. Then he goes on to say how these gods are needing to be picked up and lifted into place, where they can not move and in the end when you cry out, it does not move, it does not answer, and it does not save you from anything. What are we following, the Science or the one who created the science, are we holding tight to the creator or the created? 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the creator of all things, you are deserving of all honor and praise and worship. I lay my life before you, take it and let it be a light shining in a dark world. Help me to grow that I may point to you better to reflect you. 

Wood gods

Reading: Isaiah 44-45 and Acts 2

Scripture: Isaiah 44:16-17, Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”

Thoughts: The things we use every day and maybe even take for granted that we have, can be easily develop into in idol. Just as Isaiah was talking about the wood being used as fire to cook on, or taking it further to make a shelter from then also gets turned into an idol bowing down and worshipping it that it kept you warm and sheltered and fed. We could do the same with money or work or even the enjoyment from social media. All these things can be good, allowing us to get what is needed to survive or stay in contact with friends and family, but when these things start surpassing the importance of God and spending time in his word, we start making them idol. I need to work more, to make more, so I can get more so, I can do more with my friends and family. Where will it end? We need to be content with that we have and also be good stewards of the thing that God places in our care. Yes, I have to work to steward my family properly. Let us seek God in all we do that we may steward well those things we are given. 

Prayer: Father God, you created all things, and you own all things, the cattle on a thousand hills our yours. I thank you that you allow us the opportunity to steward some and use it for your glory. I ask you for the wisdom and the ability to steward well. Lead me and guide me in all I do. 

Battle Cries

Reading: Isaiah 42-43, Psalm 82, Acts 1, and 1 Corinthians 12

Scripture: Isaiah 42:12-13, Let them give glory to the Lord, and declare his praise in the coastlands. The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.

Thoughts: This is how I fight my battles, worship and praise are some of the greatest weapons of our warfare. The first battle that God gave to Joshua and Israel was give to them by a shout of praise after seven days of marching around the city. What victories are we not claiming because we are not praising and worshipping?

Prayer: Father God, you are wo good, your grace and mercy pour over us. We worship you in out battles we worship, you in our trials, and we worship you in the victories we are yet to win. I thank you fort all you are doing in my life. I ask that you fill me with your spirit, give me the joy to praise you in the storms, give me the wisdom to discern the truth, and the strength to walk it out.