Stopping God’s Plans...

God's plans cannot be stopped, even if you disagree with Him on the issue. God will see to it that it comes to pass. It's foolish to think you can thwart God's plans, even in the little things in life.

9 “This is what the Lord says: Do not fool yourselves into thinking that the Babylonians are gone for good. They aren’t! 10 Even if you were to destroy the entire Babylonian army, leaving only a handful of wounded survivors, they would still stagger from their tents and burn this city to the ground!” Jeremiah 37:9-10

The Cycle of a Busy Life...

We often get caught up in our daily routines and end up focused on the non-essentials of life. We need wisdom, good judgement, and knowledge, yet we don't ask God to give it to us. Then trials and suffering come. We refocus, fix our eyes on God, and His word becomes more valuable to us, more valuable than any materials we possess. This process is simple, but it's never easy. We forget, God reminds us, and it repeats itself over and over until we are ready to go Home.

65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,just as You promised.66 I believe in Your commands;now teach me good judgment and knowledge.67 I used to wander off until You disciplined me;but now I closely follow Your word.68 You are good and do only good;teach me Your decrees.69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,but in truth I obey Your commandments with all my heart.70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,but I delight in Your instructions.71 My suffering was good for me,for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalms 119:65-72

The Effective Witness of a Married Man’s Commitment...

Throughout scripture, but especially in the NT, being faithful to your wife ranks at the top of God's way of living a righteous life. The main reason behind this is the fact that if you're happy/content/satisfied with the intimate relationship with your wife, the temptation to stray isn't as powerful as if you weren't close to your wife. Sexual or relational adultery runs rampant in our society today. The one thing it's lacking is the ability to have and keep a loving, satisfying relationship with your spouse. Living a life above reproach begins by honoring your commitment to remain faithful to the wife of your youth.

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder,[G] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[H] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[I] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:1-5

Character’s True Test...

Many people think the true test of a person's character is how they handle adversity. In actuality the more character revealing test is how you handle success. When someone bad-mouths you, your reaction shows your baseline character (patience and tolerance levels). Everyone experiences this. But when you are successful and someone praises you, your reaction shows your maturity in your humility; a much more accurate measurement of true character.

21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,but a person is tested by being praised. Proverbs 27:21

Fulfilled Phrophecy???

This is just my thinking, because I've never read or heard of this in any official document, but I've always wondered about if this passage here in Jeremiah is still being true even to this day. We're the Jews killed in the Nazi concentration camps part of this prophecy? It certainly was an object of horror to all nations. We're the Jews killed in WWII the rebellious, unbelieving Jews God was talking about? Did God use the Nazis as a tool of discipline, like He used the Babylonians in these passages? Truth or fiction, we may never know. The bottom line here is we need to be right with God. If not, then we need to do whatever it takes to make it right.

18 Yes, I will pursue them with war, famine, and disease, and I will scatter them around the world. In every nation where I send them, I will make them an object of damnation, horror, contempt, and mockery. 19 For they refuse to listen to Me, though I have spoken to them repeatedly through the prophets I sent. And you who are in exile have not listened either,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:18-19

17 “Therefore, this is what the Lord says: Since you have not obeyed Me by setting your countrymen free, I will set you free to be destroyed by war, disease, and famine. You will be an object of horror to all the nations of the earth. 18 Because you have broken the terms of our covenant, I will cut you apart just as you cut apart the calf when you walked between its halves to solemnize your vows. Jeremiah 34:17-18

Promoting God’s Goodness To All...

Even in the OT you see how we, as believers, are supposed to be witnesses to all people. Do we promote the goodness of God in our daily interactions with others? Do we live our lives in peace, for others to see? Do we share in the abundance of our prosperity? If God is important in our lives, we must make it a priority to live a life that's real, genuine, and one that points others toward the goodness of our Lord (gratitude).

9 Then this city will bring Me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for My people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them. Jeremiah 33:9

Behavioral Attraction...

Just imagine the effect it would have on the world if women concentrated more on their behavior, making themselves more attractive by the good things they do, and less on their outward appearances.

10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 1 Timothy 2:10

The Law’s Purpose...

Some people think the Law (10 Commandments) is for us to try to live up to; a standard that's achievable. Here in 1 Tim. Paul tells us that the purpose of the law is show sinners (all of us), that we can't measure up and are in desperate need of a Savior. We use the law to convict people of their sin. Once that happens, it opens the door to the need of a Savior. The bad news of our admittance of sin, makes the Gospel (Good News) even better.

8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. 1 Timothy 1:8-11

The One Certainty...

There is one certainty in life that I can say stays true regardless of the circumstances, and every single person alive has the opportunity to experience it. When you make a commitment to pursue God and walk with Him daily, when tough times come (and they will come), the One Security you can cling to to help you cope will be right there, ready to revive your soul.

49 Remember Your promise to me;it is my only hope.50 Your promise revives me;it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalms 119:49-50

Never Fully Satisfied...

The desires of man are never full. Our sinful nature can never be fully satisfied. Yet we believe the temptation enough to continue to satisfy our lusts, only to find ourselves in need of a little more. The scary and sad thing about this proverb is it states Hell (death and destruction) will never be full, until God ushers in His new Heaven and new earth. The positive side to this is that since our desires are never fully met, we need to pursue Knowing God in a daily basis. We get the opportunity to know Him better, and yet tomorrow is another opportunity to advance that pursuit. When we pursue truth, there’s always something more to know, to keep us going. Makes me want to go out there and save some souls by spreading the Gospel right now.

20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20

Seeing Beyond the Surface...

The only way to truly know someone is to be allowed to see their heart. It's a privilege, that many don't ever take the time to experience in their selfish pursuits (I'm guilty of this for sure). For the heart reveals the true person. If you welcome the opportunity, and treat them as a value to you, this blessing follows. If only we took the time to see the value in every soul, the rewards would be closer relationships.

19 As a face is reflected in water,so the heart reflects the real person. Proverbs 27:19

The Ultimate Goal...

The ultimate goal of the Christian is to know God. It's not to be perfect. It's to pursue God and truly know Him. To have a deep understanding and intimacy with Him. When we stray, we truly repent. When we suffer, we know God will comfort. When we rejoice, we have someone to share it with and give gratitude towards. As soon as people understand God is real, and His purposes are for us to know Him and make His name known, life loses its ability to trap, to depress, and to make us fearful of the unknown. And the longer it goes on without Him, the more lost we become. When someone does come to Him, seeking Him whole-heartedly, He writes His instructions (our purpose) on our hearts. What more could we ask for? In the search for significance and true identity, there's no place on earth you'll find it than in a relationship with Jesus. It may seem like old news to some, but it is the heart and soul of the Good News. We are to never tire of consistently hearing and preaching this simple, clear, and relevant message.

Turn me again to You and restore me,for You alone are the Lord my God.19 I turned away from God,but then I was sorry.I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’ Jeremiah 31:18c-19 “I will put My instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know Me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Jeremiah 31:33b-34

The Source of our Hope...

God's love for us is immeasurable. It's the source of our hope. Without the Bible, how would we know? The difference between the God-fearing, Bible-believing, Jesus-following Christian, from everyone else is we know God has our back. He wants the best for us. He loves us so much that He provides a way to know Him, to be forgiven, and to spend eternity with Him.

3 Long ago the Lord said to Israel:“I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself. Jeremiah 31:3 They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem.They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts–the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil,and the healthy flocks and herds.Their life will be like a watered garden,and all their sorrows will be gone.13 The young women will dance for joy,and the men–old and young–will join in the celebration.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. Jeremiah 31:12-13

God’s Goodness...

Every time I read God's word I see new things. I learn so much more about Him, His purposes, and how He does things. Here in Jeremiah ch 29, you read an open letter from Jeremiah to the captives taken into exile in Babylon. God tells them, they are there for a reason (punishment for their idolatry). But while they are there, they are not to suffer, complain, and die. They are to marry, have children, and build homes for themselves. They are to pray and make good the welfare of the city in which they were exiled to. Even in punishment God provides, protects, and promotes us to make the best of the situation. God's love for His people always shines through, even when we don't see it. How can anyone ever say God is not good?

4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives He has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”8 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, 9 because they are telling you lies in My name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jeremiah 29:4-14

Responsibility...

If only more people took this advice, America wouldn't be in a predicament. I understand there are people who can't work and need to be taken care of, but there are so many more that have the ability to work, and willfully abuse the system. It's the Church's job to help the needy, widows, and orphans, not the government.

6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers[K] who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received[L] from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.[M] 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

How We View Stuff...

I've always given my best at everything I do, regardless if it's at work, home, or play. Integrity matters. Someone is always watching. So regardless of where you are, you should always remember, everything belongs to God, so treat it with respect, and eventually you will reap what you sow. When people tell me their opinions about the Bible, I just think how better the world would be if people actually lived out what it says, the way God intended.

18 As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit,so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded. Proverbs 27:18

Your Happiness...

Your happiness will always be found along the path that God commands. Life comes through His word. Reassurance comes through His promises. And newness comes from His goodness.

33 Teach me Your decrees, O Lord;I will keep them to the end.34 Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions;I will put them into practice with all my heart.35 Make me walk along the path of Your commands,for that is where my happiness is found.36 Give me an eagerness for Your lawsrather than a love for money!37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,and give me life through Your word.[M]38 Reassure me of Your promise,made to those who fear You.39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;for Your regulations are good.40 I long to obey Your commandments!Renew my life with Your goodness. Psalms 119:33-40

Advance notice...

God always warns in advance. He always gives a choice. And He always rewards those that obey. His sovereignty is supreme. The question is do we always do what He wants?

5 With My great strength and powerful arm I made the earth and all its people and every animal. I can give these things of Mine to anyone I choose. 6 Now I will give your countries to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who is My servant. I have put everything, even the wild animals, under his control. 7 All the nations will serve him, his son, and his grandson until his time is up. Then many nations and great kings will conquer and rule over Babylon. 8 So you must submit to Babylon’s king and serve him; put your neck under Babylon’s yoke! I will punish any nation that refuses to be his slave, says the Lord. I will send war, famine, and disease upon that nation until Babylon has conquered it.9 “ ‘Do not listen to your false prophets, fortune-tellers, interpreters of dreams, mediums, and sorcerers who say, “The king of Babylon will not conquer you.” 10 They are all liars, and their lies will lead to your being driven out of your land. I will drive you out and send you far away to die. 11 But the people of any nation that submits to the king of Babylon will be allowed to stay in their own country to farm the land as usual. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 27:5-11

The Paradox of Life...

The paradox of life: people reject the only Solution that will save them. They want security and the peace of knowing death isn't the end, but are unwilling to live God's way (the only way to gain the very thing they want). They would rather serve "Self" than serve God. Rejecting Jesus brings eternal death. Everyone hates the concept of Hell, but deep down inside they believe in Divine Justice. The problem is, they love to enjoy evil rather than believe the truth. It's like saying "I need this medicine to cure my sickness, but I refuse to take it because it tastes bad". This mindset leaves people open and vulnerable to believing anything or anyone that comes their way. And against their own desires, end up being fooled because of their own pride. As it says in Proverbs, "pride comes before the fall".

9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

The Value of True Friendship...

This is one of my favorite proverbs. The value of friendship is immeasurable. Like Jonathan and David, our real and genuine friendships help us in times of difficulty. The loyalty, trust, security, empathy, and dead-on, truthful discernment given by a friend is only topped by the intimacy experienced with God Himself.

17 As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

A Humble Prayer...

An honest and humble prayer. It should always be in the front of our mind.

29 Keep me from lying to myself;give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions. Psalms 119:29

Jeremiah and Jesus...

When I read the 26th chapter of Jeremiah, I cannot help but think how it parallels with Jesus. I don't think time changes people. There will always be time. Circumstances change people, but not always for good. The pride of humanity will always oppose God. And as that pride grows, it begins to lose its common sense. It loses its ability to be rational, to weigh it's options. It fails to discern truth from fiction, and leaves the practitioner without the ability to honestly even carry on a civil conversation. The argument eventually turns to violence and threats. And the response is "how dare you tell me..." Jeremiah faced this type of human pride when he spoke of God's judgement on Jerusalem. Jesus did the same. When one man agreed with Jeremiah, he had to flee to Egypt for his life, only later to be captured, brought back to Jerusalem, and executed. Why is it when you oppose someone on a sinful issue, the prideful response is intolerant threatening? Because people who have no reverence for God don't have the ability to see truth, for God has taken away their ability to embrace it. Their comfortable world of evil behavior is threatened by the truth of God, so the only solution is to remove the source promoting truth. Does this not parallel Jesus' life? When He prophesied against the Temple? Did the people react the exact same way? Sound like modern day America?

7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people listened to Jeremiah as he spoke in front of the Lord’s Temple. 8 But when Jeremiah had finished his message, saying everything the Lord had told him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people at the Temple mobbed him. “Kill him!” they shouted. 9 “What right do you have to prophesy in the Lord’s name that this Temple will be destroyed like Shiloh? What do you mean, saying that Jerusalem will be destroyed and left with no inhabitants?” And all the people threatened him as he stood in front of the Temple. Jeremiah 26:7-9 11 The priests and prophets presented their accusations to the officials and the people. “This man should die!” they said. “You have heard with your own ears what a traitor he is, for he has prophesied against this city.” Jeremiah 26:11 14 As for me, I am in your hands–do with me as you think best. 15 But if you kill me, rest assured that you will be killing an innocent man! The responsibility for such a deed will lie on you, on this city, and on every person living in it. For it is absolutely true that the Lord sent me to speak every word you have heard.” Jeremiah 26:14-15

Prevenient Grace...

Prevenient Grace. When we think we are in control, we must always remember: it was God Who gave us life. It is God Who gives us our very next breath. It is God Who gives us a heart that recognizes Him as Lord. Thanks be to God for His glorious grace.

7 I will give them hearts that recognize Me as the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me wholeheartedly. Jeremiah 24:7

Distinguishing God’s Word...

How do you distinguish God's word from false teaching? God's word convicts, compels, prompts action, and humbles the listener. It's like a burning fire, and it always smashes anything unworthy to pieces. As it says in 1Timothy, it's sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing the soul and spirit. It's not always pleasant and welcoming, but it always serves its purpose: to convict, to edify, and to turn our focus back onto Him.

29 Does not My word burn like fire?”says the Lord.“Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

The Direction You Point Others...

A true follower of God always points people away from evil/sinful behavior and back to God. Always...

22 If they had stood before Me and listened to Me,they would have spoken My words,and they would have turned My people from their evil ways and deeds. Jeremiah 23:22

Treating Others...

How we treat others matters. It shows others what it means TO KNOW God. When we are just and right in our behavior, things go well. It's the most effective witness we can have on others. It places your faith on parade for all to see and points out that God's ways are of the utmost importance to you. Admitting your mistakes (not trying to be perfect), showing mercy to others, and being transparent and honest, is what God ultimately wants from us. Our reputation does matter, but not the kind ruled with pride, rather one built with humility, dignity, and responsibility to God. Ultimately, your behavior as a believer is the only real thing we can do to point others to the Truth.

Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him.16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know Me?”says the Lord.17 “But you! You have eyes only for greed and dishonesty! You murder the innocent, oppress the poor, and reign ruthlessly.” Jeremiah 22:15c-17

Volitional Destination...

Ultimately, Heaven or Hell is a choice. God has always given man a choice. He warns him first. Then gives him a choice before carrying out His judgement, to repent and be spared or continue to rebel and reap the consequences. All the God-haters out there complain and and continue to bad-mouth God, without mentioning the fact that they sealed their own fate by making their choice that could've spared them this self-inflicted fate. Human nature is so fickle. God always has and will continue to give us the choice of life or death. Which will you choose today?

8 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives. 10 I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the Lord. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’ Jeremiah 21:8-10

Lustful Passions...

When it comes to sexual sin, regardless of the avenue traveled (same sex or opposite sex), you are to control your own body. God's will is for us to be set apart from the patterns of this world. When you push God aside, you clear the way for lustful passions. Sometimes those passions are so strong and deceptive that you end up not only destroying your own life, but the lives of others as well. Even another believer. Remember, sexual sin is not a rejecting human teaching, it is rejecting God, the Creator of all things. You're telling Him, "You can't tell me what to do". The Lord always avenges these types of sins.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8