Studying God's Word 08.16.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday August 16, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah. Please read Chapters 4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%204-6&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's call for Israel; Jeremiah's sorrow for Judah; spiritual and civil corruption; and the destruction of Judah. Today's message focuses on the importance or understanding that reading and obeying God's Word keeps us from the destructive results of sin.

Jeremiah began his public ministry during the thirteenth year reign of King Josiah of Judah, and exposed the worldly, compromising lifestyles of the Israelites. "Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone." (Jeremiah 5:20-23).

The reason for their lack of understanding was clear, they were rebellious against God in their hearts and wanted the things of the world. "Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich." (5:25-27).

Jeremiah laments (expresses deep sorrow) as they continued their sinful activities and idolatry, ignoring his warnings as sudden destruction speeds toward them. He was overwhelmed by what he saw coming yet nothing he said got his people to believe that they were headed for slavery. "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days. And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD. For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely." (6:10-13).

There is no possession more precious or priceless than freedom yet nothing is more depressing and degrading than being a slave. Slavery robs us of the power to make our own decisions and doing what we choose to do and believe in.

Sin slowly becomes slavery as it gains control of our lives, the struggling soul literally finds itself helpless and empty. Today, we are free and the person who freed us is Jesus Christ, He alone loosens the chains of bondage from sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (Romans 3:23-25).

Today, we see a similar pattern of false gods and immorality just as Judah which lead to it's fall and destruction. That is why it is so important to read, study, and teach God's Word, He is our guide and warns us of the destruction that lies ahead if we continue with this pattern.
A true Christian desires to worship only the Lord and especially enjoys doing so with other believers where there is reading, studying, and obeying His Word.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Jeremiah, whom God commissioned to judge the ways of His people (Jeremiah 6:27). Jesus shall one day judge all mankind.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have warned us against false gods, prophets, and teachers. Lord, we are in need of good judgement as we abide in a world that does not want you to exsist. Watch over us, guide us and give us the wisdom we need to know what is true and what is false. Help us to read, study, and teach Your Truths to all who seek more than what the world has to offer. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

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

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