Serving God 08.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah, please read Chapters 45-48 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2045-48&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah's message to Baruch; and the judgment against Egypt, Philistia, and Moab. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that it is a real privilege to strive for excellence in the ministry God has given to us. The smallest effort we make to serve God means more to God than not doing anything at all.

Baruch was a scribe often employed by Jeremiah, Although Baruch was recording the Word of God spoken through Jeremiah, he did not have the spiritual concern or insight of the prophet, who was deeply concerned for the people to repent of their sins and avoid destruction. Baruch was discouraged and despondent, over his losses. God sent him a personal letter of rebuke. "Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto thee, O Baruch: Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest. Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest." (Jeremiah 45:2-5). Baruch expressed no heartfelt grief regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of God or the pitiful slavery of the people, as Jeremiah had foretold. Instead, he only expressed sorrow over his own lack of personal fulfillment.

Baruch should have considered it a great privilege to be a coworker in Jeremiah's ministry. Our time and talents are precious treasures invested in us by the God of all creation to accomplish His will through us. True fulfillment comes only when we recognize that God has arranged the circumstances in our lives.

The condemnation of God was upon all the heathen nations that had fought against the people of God. However, God also had a message for some of His own people. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood." (48:10). Such situations still exist and we need to realize there are consequences when we choose to serve God while still living wordly. Jesus said, "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13).

Those who recognize their indebtedness to God for His redeeming grace see the eternal tragedy of postponing opportunities to minister to a needy world. Our lives belong to our Redeemer and we are to serve Him fervently, in full obedience and always for His honor and His glory.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we live by faith and not by sight we see much of what the world does not see because we see it through eyes of faith. By faith we see a risen Savior who died for us and who is now interceding on our behalf. By faith we believe that life’s trials will be worth it all when we are ushered into the pearly gates and gather with saints of all the ages to praise our glorious Savior around the throne. It is by faith that we come to Jesus and it is by faith that we will stay the course. For it is not the one who runs the swiftest nor the one who runs for a day, but the one who endures to the end that will be saved. The struggles of this life diminish when we walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and be blessed.
God Bless,
Christina

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