Everyone Realizes His Own Sin….

Regardless of what rebellious people say about God or how their attitudes dictate their behavior, there will come a day when everyone realizes his own sin. The question then arises, will it be too late?

9 Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember Me. They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. Then at last they will hate themselves for all their detestable sins. 10 They will know that I alone am the Lord and that I was serious when I said I would bring this calamity on them. Ezekiel 6:9-10

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, Hebrews 9:27

Potential To Commit Evil….

If you don’t believe man has a sinful nature, you have your head buried in the sand. If you don’t think you have a sinful nature, wait until you’re put in a dire a situation. We all have a sinful nature. The only difference between those who commit atrocities and those that rise above adversity is God’s involvement in their lives. Those that pursue God, that openly serve Him with humility, accept the”bad things” that happen and respond appropriately. God honors those that honor Him. For those that abandon God, He abandons them, leaving them to their own depravity. When God abandons a man, due to his total irreverence, things get ugly “mighty quick”. Evil reigns where man is left to himself, it’s just the way it is. When God abandons, all Hell breaks lose. We all have the potential to commit evil acts. Only God has the power to overcome. If you believe this to be true, how does it affect the way you think and live?

7 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You people have behaved worse than your neighbors and have refused to obey My decrees and regulations. You have not even lived up to the standards of the nations around you. 8 Therefore, I Myself, the Sovereign Lord, am now your enemy. I will punish you publicly while all the nations watch. 9 Because of your detestable idols, I will punish you like I have never punished anyone before or ever will again. 10 Parents will eat their own children, and children will eat their parents. I will punish you and scatter to the winds the few who survive. Ezekiel 5:7-10

Who Better To Go With….

There’s only One Person Who truly understands us. No matter what you’ve been through, currently going through, or will go through, Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer, to be shamed, to be cut off, to be betrayed, to be persecuted, and to be unjustly treated. For He has experienced all of these. Since He knows what’s it’s like to walk through these experiences, don’t you think He understands our hurts, our experiences, and our pain and mistreatments? Who better to go to with these situations than to the One with the answers. It’s just sad that people don’t realize the blessings that have in Christ Jesus. And so many people miss out because of their reluctance to share their struggles with God. If only we could strip off the blindfolds that keep people from experiencing God’s best. Wait a minute. We can. Pray today that God would use you to do this for someone today. You just might participate in the Divine and reap the benefits of seeing God’s glory being revealed.

16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; He came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, His brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then He could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:16-18

Clear Cut And Simple….

It’s pretty clear cut and simple, if you want to know God, then get to know His Son Jesus.

1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave Him is greater than their names. Hebrews 1:1-4

Mess Up, Fess Up…

Christianity is pretty simple. God wants us to be open and honest with Him. If we “mess up”, He wants us to “fess up”. He will always forgive when we genuinely repent (fess up). When we don’t, we create our own problems. I don’t see what’s so difficult about this. I guess pride has its way of distorting the truth. And our innate sense of not wanting to “be told to what to do”, certainly adds to the process. So much so it keeps people away from God. Imagine, the very thing that can solve our dilemma and ease our pain, is the very thing we push away. My question to those who see it this way is, “how’s it working for you?”

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13

If It’s Not Personal, It’s Not Real Faith…

Reading Ezekiel chapter three I can’t help but ask myself what Christianity is all about. Some say it’s a religion. Some say it’s a crutch. Some say it’s a diversion to reality. Followers say it’s all about a relationship. Who is right? God is right. And what He says matters. Christianity is all about Jesus. And it is personal. People think Christianity is about telling others what’s right and what’s wrong with the world. I get caught up in that at times. What Christianity really is about is how much we make it apply to our own lives. Christianity is an individual relationship with God that becomes relational to other individual believers. Until we make our faith personal, it will never blossom into the kind of faith God intends us to have. If it’s not personal (meaning you pursue God with all your heart), then it’s really not faith at all. It’s just head knowledge and wishful thinking. It’s not until we make our faith our own that it qualifies us to share it with the world. When personal faith is shared with the world, it reaches beyond the intellect, and with God’s help, transform souls.

10 Then He added, “Son of man, let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. 11 Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.” Ezekiel 3:10-11

Can’t Blame ME For Your Poor Choices…

Both Ezekiel and Jeremiah were told by God to speak His messages to the people. Both of these prophets knew the people wouldn’t listen. God, Himself knew they wouldn’t listen. So why would God require them to be told. It seems a little odd; a waste of time, doesn’t it? God gives us two reasons. First, He tells Both of them if they don’t tell them then their blood with be on their own hands. Second, He tells Ezekiel the reason is for the people to know there was a prophet among them, i.e. God provided communication even in their rebellion. So what point am I trying to make? God works in mysterious ways. Sometimes those ways involve warning before, during, and after a rebellion. It’s as if He says, “I’ll warn you all throughout your rebellion, so that when you finally come to your senses, you can’t blame Me for your poor choices”. God is always there for us, even when we stray. The consequences come, we blame Him, we suffer, the suffering produces repentance, our eyes are opened, we see God in it, we learn our lesson, and we grow closer to Him and deepen our faith. God sends the prophets to warn, to show He’s concerned, to prove His love, and to give us evidence of His presence. It also shows us that our duty as believers is to speak truth in all circumstances and point people towards God. We can’t change people, only God can change a broken and corrupt heart. Our duty is to be the messenger, to warn, and thus be evidence of the prophet among us. To get the blood (guilt) off of our hands. Obedience to God is faithfully presenting His truth to a lost world. It’s not saving them. That’s God’s Job. Never grow weary of doing good, for in due time, your faithfulness will be rewarded, even if we don’t see the clear picture of “why” we try when things seem wasteful. God is in control, we have to trust that He knows what He’s doing.

5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen–for remember, they are rebels–at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.6 “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7 You must give them My messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! 8 Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:5-8

17 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from Me, warn people immediately. 18 If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed Me.20 “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 21 But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too.” Ezekiel 3:17-21

Attracts Or Leads Away…

Our behavior either attracts people towards the Gospel or leads them away from it. Give that some deep thought today.

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

Willing To Accept…

When we truly seek God, and are willing to accept God’s truth, He grants us understanding. As we grow closer, we understand Him better. This is part of the mystery of His will.

130 The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalms 119:130

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind….

What people think about God’s apparent absence, His immediate lack of carrying out justice, which causes people to think evil acts are okay, will someday be punished. People’s lack of responsibility to God, eventually develops into an irreverence towards Him. And that leads to unrestrained behaviors, gradually increasing in evil acts. After a while, any sliver of the thought of God being just slips away to their own demise. Just think, one day after living a life abandoned from God, all of the sudden you find yourself standing before Him having to give an account. There’s no excuses, no justifications, and no way out. You will get what you deserve; justice will be served. God’s timing isn’t our timing, so throw out the inclination of “out of sight out of mind” when it comes to God. The only thing that can save you is Jesus, and He will not when you abandon your pursuit of truth. Knowledge and responsibility to this concept of God’s justice is what keeps us in tune and our behaviors consciously guarded. We reap what we sow. God is just, He always repays in full.

For the Lord is a God who gives just punishment; He always repays in full. Jeremiah 51:56c

The Last Days Will Involve….

According to Paul, the last days will involve: extreme selfishness, anti-God, proud, arrogant, consider nothing sacred, disobedient to those in authority, disrespectful, lovers of pleasure, and unloving and unforgiving people. Does that sound familiar? I guess if you could summarize this in one statement, it would be this: when a society abandons God, evil begins to reign. Depraved minds and counterfeit faith destroy all that is good. We are seeing what a society without God looks like. I don’t like it, do you? Take heart, God will not allow this behavior without consequences. And unfortunately, we will be part of the consequences. We reap what we sow. But the Good News is that we have a reward waiting for us in the end; He will rescue those whose hearts are one with His. The second we are welcomed into Heaven, none of this will matter. In the mean time, just keep promoting truth, and sharing the transforming and saving power of the Bible’s message. Jesus saves. We know this to be true.

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. 2 Timothy 3:1-9

When Humans Fail….

If there’s one thing that bothers me and proves that all human beings are fickle, it’s this: when humans fail, you can’t blame God for it. God doesn’t fail when humans fail. Yet so many blame God or use that occurrence to write Him off. You’ve heard people tell the story, “when this Christian failed at ___________, it destroyed my faith in God. And ever since I’ve abandoned my faith.” That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. I would bet the person speaking those words never truly had saving faith to begin with. Observing man’s behaviors is part of life, but associating a fallible, sinful by nature, rebellious toward God, man’s behavior and deeming God just like that tells me they don’t know the God of the Bible. If you went to a classical music concert, and the musicians botched Beethoven music, who would you be disappointed or mad at? Beethoven, or the musicians? Does this make sense? Here’s today’s truth, man will fail you, God never will. Never let one man or a group of people be your only example of God. If you do, you’ll fall right into the mentality of abandoning God for the sake of man. Don’t allow yourself to go there. It’s not worth it.

9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with Him,we will also live with Him.12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is. 2 Timothy 2:9-13

We Will Do Whatever We Want….

If you want to see a clear example of what lies in every man’s heart, his sinful nature, and his pure rebellious behavior, continue reading. Here in Jeremiah chapter 44, we read about God warning the Judean rebel remnant who did not listen to God’s warning to not leave Jerusalem, now hearing Jeremiah relay God’s message to them now in Egypt. God tells them that they will not survive there. He will send Nebuchadnezzar to burn and destroy the cities in Egypt. Here’s the main point, the hearer’s reaction to this warning: they refused to listen. Can you honestly believe that? God tells them, straight to their faces, and they respond with, “we will do whatever WE want”. Does that not sound like people of today? Abortion, same sex unions, legalization of drugs, free Medicare, physician assisted suicide, and the list goes on. Is that not the same response (“we will do whatever WE want”) the Judeans had when Jeremiah warned them? This just goes to show all of us, the sinful, rebellious nature that resides inside us, will be to our own demise. If God’s spirit isn’t welcome in your house, there’s only one spirit that will dictate the trajectory of your life (Satan). It’s mantra is “we will do whatever WE want”. Where did that get the Judeans in Egypt?

1 This is the message Jeremiah received concerning the Judeans living in northern Egypt in the cities of Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis, and in southern Egypt as well: 2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: You saw the calamity I brought on Jerusalem and all the towns of Judah. They now lie deserted and in ruins. 3 They provoked My anger with all their wickedness. They burned incense and worshiped other gods–gods that neither they nor you nor any of your ancestors had ever even known.4 “Again and again I sent My servants, the prophets, to plead with them, ‘Don’t do these horrible things that I hate so much.’ 5 But My people would not listen or turn back from their wicked ways. They kept on burning incense to these gods. 6 And so My fury boiled over and fell like fire on the towns of Judah and into the streets of Jerusalem, and they are still a desolate ruin today.7 “And now the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, asks you: Why are you destroying yourselves? For not one of you will survive–not a man, woman, or child among you who has come here from Judah, not even the babies in your arms. 8 Why provoke My anger by burning incense to the idols you have made here in Egypt? You will only destroy yourselves and make yourselves an object of cursing and mockery for all the nations of the earth. 9 Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, the sins of the kings and queens of Judah, and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem? 10 To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence. No one has chosen to follow My word and the decrees I gave to you and your ancestors before you.11 “Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to destroy every one of you! 12 I will take this remnant of Judah–those who were determined to come here and live in Egypt–and I will consume them. They will fall here in Egypt, killed by war and famine. All will die, from the least to the greatest. They will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. 13 I will punish them in Egypt just as I punished them in Jerusalem, by war, famine, and disease. 14 Of that remnant who fled to Egypt, hoping someday to return to Judah, there will be no survivors. Even though they long to return home, only a handful will do so.”15 Then all the women present and all the men who knew that their wives had burned incense to idols–a great crowd of all the Judeans living in northern Egypt and southern Egypt–answered Jeremiah, 16 “We will not listen to your messages from the Lord! 17 We will do whatever we want. We will burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven just as much as we like–just as we, and our ancestors, and our kings and officials have always done in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For in those days we had plenty to eat, and we were well off and had no troubles! 18 But ever since we quit burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and stopped worshiping her with liquid offerings, we have been in great trouble and have been dying from war and famine.”19 “Besides,” the women added, “do you suppose that we were burning incense and pouring out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven, and making cakes marked with her image, without our husbands knowing it and helping us? Of course not!”20 Then Jeremiah said to all of them, men and women alike, who had given him that answer, 21 “Do you think the Lord did not know that you and your ancestors, your kings and officials, and all the people were burning incense to idols in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 22 It was because the Lord could no longer bear all the disgusting things you were doing that He made your land an object of cursing–a desolate ruin without inhabitants–as it is today. 23 All these terrible things happened to you because you have burned incense to idols and sinned against the Lord. You have refused to obey Him and have not followed His instructions, His decrees, and His laws.”24 Then Jeremiah said to them all, including the women, “Listen to this message from the Lord, all you citizens of Judah who live in Egypt. 25 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You and your wives have said, “We will keep our promises to burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven,” and you have proved by your actions that you meant it. So go ahead and carry out your promises and vows to her!’26 “But listen to this message from the Lord, all you Judeans now living in Egypt: ‘I have sworn by My great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that My name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt. None of you may invoke My name or use this oath: “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.” 27 For I will watch over you to bring you disaster and not good. Everyone from Judah who is now living in Egypt will suffer war and famine until all of you are dead. 28 Only a small number will escape death and return to Judah from Egypt. Then all those who came to Egypt will find out whose words are true–Mine or theirs!29 “ ‘And this is the proof I give you,’ says the Lord, ‘that all I have threatened will happen to you and that I will punish you here.’ 30 This is what the Lord says: ‘I will turn Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, over to his enemies who want to kill him, just as I turned King Zedekiah of Judah over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.’ ” Jeremiah 44:1-30

Morality Is The Core Of Stability….

If there is one verse in the Bible that best describes America today, it’s this proverb. Politicians try to promote their knowledge and wisdom, as to “look good”, but fail in the immoral behaviors their campaign platforms stand on. Without unity, you have division. A nation divided will not stand. We have a choice to make: either we unify and become stable, or we continue to divide because of immoral issues and eventually collapse from the inside out. No one will ever conquer the Good Ole’ USA. They won’t need to; they’ll be able to take it by walking right in, for there will be nothing left to defend if we don’t get back to honoring our morality. Morality is the core of stability. Without responsibility, freedom wrecks havoc.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2

Real Prosperity…

With all the prosperity gospels being preached in America today, it still amazes me how people still “buy into these false, distorted representations of the Bible”. Reading Jeremiah chapter 39 you discover God telling Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian that He would reward him for his faithfulness to God. His life would be his reward. God also tells Baruch (jeremiah’s scribe) the exact same thing. If that is true, then doesn’t God reward all of us with a life in the Spirit. Being able to see spiritually; witnessing the invisible hand of God moving in the lives of others is definitely a blessing, wouldn’t you agree? All this “give to get” prosperity non-sense gets old fast. God does reward us with prosperity, it’s just not measured monetarily. His blessings and rewards are with life. And you cannot put a value on a human life, real life, can you? Now that’s real prosperity.

17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted Me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 39:17-18

5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 45:5

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:3-10

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Spiritually Dead….

The reason people don’t acknowledge God, or even respect those who do is because they are spiritually dead. How can a man expect to see evidence of a Spiritual Being (God) if he doesn’t have the ability to see spiritually? When we live solely for the purpose of pleasing ourselves, for our own pleasure, we become spiritually dead. How can we expect others to honor God if they are spiritually dead? So what do we do about it? First, pray for ourselves; that we continue to seek the Lord. Then pray for others; for their spiritual eyes to be open; for the blindfold to be removed from their eyes. It starts with dying to self. Pleasure is a selfish pursuit when done solely for its effects. If we as believers can live in such a way that proves humility is a virtue worth pursuing, along with God’s help, we can help revive the spiritual “deadness” of each soul. Until then, stop expecting people to accept God’s ways. It’s not possible for spiritually blind people to seek out our Creator. There must be a need for Him acknowledged first. Without the transforming power of the Gospel, it’s ludicrous to expect spiritually dead people to be alive to the truth. Live in such a way that shows people what they are missing out on. And sometimes use words.

6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 1 Timothy 5:6

It’s His Spirit That Inspires….

Never forget it is God Who gives us the desire to know Him. It’s is His Spirit that motivates, inspires, and infuses us to honor and glorify Him.

 73 You made me; You created me.Now give me the sense to follow Your commands.74 May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy,for I have put my hope in Your word.75 I know, O Lord, that Your regulations are fair;You disciplined me because I needed it.76 Now let Your unfailing love comfort me,just as You promised me, Your servant.77 Surround me with Your tender mercies so I may live,for Your instructions are my delight.78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;meanwhile, I will concentrate on Your commandments. Psalms 119:73-78

Confronted With The Truth….

There comes a time in every human beings life when you are confronted with the truth. There are three responses to choose from. First, you can deny it, continue to live the way you’ve been living, pretending life is good and you’re doing the “right thing”. Always defending yourself, but yet needing agreement to support your cause. Second, you can ignore it; passively wishing it was never said. Lastly, you can take heed, acknowledge it, and respond with honesty and integrity and do what’s necessary to make it right. Zedekiah was the appointed king of Judah. He was all over the place, especially when it came to integrity. He imprisoned Jeremiah, then freed him, then imprisoned him again. He threatened not to kill him, then to kill him if he spoke out about their conversations. Jeremiah told Zedekiah that if he surrendered to the Babylonians he would survive and live. It was God’s will for those that surrendered to live and eventually be brought back to Judah. Zedekiah was faced with this situation. Would he listen to Jeremiah and surrender? Would he ignore Jeremiah and continue to defend the city? Or would he be angry with Jeremiah for speaking the truth? We all face situations like this throughout life. It’s only when we are honest with ourselves, and accept the truth that we make the right decisions. We are all accountable to God regardless of how “we feel” or what others “think”. Unfortunately, Zedekiah didn’t make the right choice. His lack of integrity cost him his life, along with his family’s lives as well. Integrity has no holidays. Each time we are confronted with the truth how we respond matters. The choices we make have consequences. And most of the time those consequences affect us for the rest of our lives. Sometimes affecting others as well. What type of response do you typically make when your confronted with the truth? Your answer will summarize the state of your existence.

14 One day King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and had him brought to the third entrance of the Lord’s Temple. “I want to ask you something,” the king said. “And don’t try to hide the truth.”15 Jeremiah said, “If I tell you the truth, you will kill me. And if I give you advice, you won’t listen to me anyway.”16 So King Zedekiah secretly promised him, “As surely as the Lord our Creator lives, I will not kill you or hand you over to the men who want you dead.”17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you surrender to the Babylonian officers, you and your family will live, and the city will not be burned down. 18 But if you refuse to surrender, you will not escape! This city will be handed over to the Babylonians, and they will burn it to the ground.’ ”19 “But I am afraid to surrender,” the king said, “for the Babylonians may hand me over to the Judeans who have defected to them. And who knows what they will do to me!”20 Jeremiah replied, “You won’t be handed over to them if you choose to obey the Lord. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you. 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the Lord has revealed to me: 22 All the women left in your palace will be brought out and given to the officers of the Babylonian army. Then the women will taunt you, saying, ‘What fine friends you have!They have betrayed and misled you.When your feet sank in the mud,they left you to your fate!’ 23 All your wives and children will be led out to the Babylonians, and you will not escape. You will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.”24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Don’t tell anyone you told me this, or you will die! 25 My officials may hear that I spoke to you, and they may say, ‘Tell us what you and the king were talking about. If you don’t tell us, we will kill you.’ 26 If this happens, just tell them you begged me not to send you back to Jonathan’s dungeon, for fear you would die there.”27 Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the king’s officials came to Jeremiah and asked him why the king had called for him. But Jeremiah followed the king’s instructions, and they left without finding out the truth. No one had overheard the conversation between Jeremiah and the king. 28 And Jeremiah remained a prisoner in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured. Jeremiah 38:14-28

What’s Your Biggest Fear?

What’s the worst thing that could ever happen to you? What’s your biggest fear? Could it be getting cancer? Losing a child? Getting divorced? Succumbing to dementia? Being murdered? A wayward child? Watching someone else lose touch with reality? Personally, I think the scariest, most horrific thing anyone could experience is being abandoned by God. If you truly think about it, God can heal or fix any of the above situations, either on earth or in Heaven. But the one thing He can’t do is make someone love Him. For this is the reason why people choose to walk away from God, because of their selfishness. Eventually God grants them their wish and fully abandons them. Just imagine what that’s like? There’s a name already used to describe it, it’s called Hell. You experience Hell on earth, then eternal abandonment by God in a real place after you breath your last breath. All the things you miss out on, you never experience, all because you refuse to reciprocate what God does for you. When God abandons you, there is no hope. Now that’s the scariest thing I can imagine. How about you?

4 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy. 5 You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in My terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness. Jeremiah 33:4-5

The Exclusivity Of Jesus….

The exclusivity of Jesus. He’s the only One that can make us right with God. He’s the only payment accepted for our transgressions. He’s the only Way to reconcile humanity and God. He gave His life to purchase our freedom. He suspended our jail sentence. Is that not reason to celebrate? The captives have been set free. Rejoice.

3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity–the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating–just telling the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-7

The Great Exchange…

The great exchange. Reading through Jeremiah chapter 32 I can’t help but think about all the God-haters out there. They claim not to follow God because of something they experienced and blame Him for. Whatever it was, was it really God doing it? They convince themselves that God is a killjoy and He isn’t loving or good. Here’s the truth: God is good. God is for us. God wants us to worship Him, and in exchange for this devotion, He promises “doing good” for us. He finds joy in doing good. He rejoices when He can give us things for our best. If worshipping God guarantees His goodness to us, is that not a fair exchange? Is that too much to ask of us? Does that sound like a cosmic killjoy to you? The only thing that stands in the way of this great exchange is OUR PRIDE. Is your pride worth God’s guaranteed goodness? Is your future joy and satisfaction worth your selfishness? The Great Exchange, is it worth your pride? Really, it’s the only thing you stand to lose, in exchange of everything to gain. Is your stubbornness worth this exchange?

39 And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship Me, and they will never leave Me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land. Jeremiah 32:39-41

Document God’s Movement….

People say, “God isn’t real, you can’t prove His existence because you can see Him”. Well, I beg to differ on this issue. The reason why people can’t see God is because they are not looking for Him. Didn’t He say ”... you will find Me if you seek Me with all of your heart”? (Jeremiah 29:13). The problem is all of us are spiritually blind. How can you see a Spirit Being, without spiritual sight? God is the only One Who can grant such sight. You have to ask, backed up with true, heartfelt sincerity and desire to know Him. Then you will be able to see God working all around you. Here’s the key to all of this once you’ve been given this spiritual awakening: document all that God has done for you, so that you never lose your way. When you document God’s workings in your life, when things seem unclear, you can look back (reading about) at all the things God did for you, and find comfort in knowing He will continue to bless you. By looking to the past, you can refocus on your future knowing God doesn’t change. He finishes what He starts. He doesn’t abandon those whose hearts belong to Him. When we document God’s movement, we guarantee our future struggles are just obstacles in our path. Our documenting God’s working in our lives lays out a map of which roads to take/refocus on when we run into construction zones. It’s the detours of life that get us back on the right path. By looking to the past, God reminds us Who’s in charge. Knowing Who is in charge resets our focus and helps us develop our spiritual insight. Document God’s invisible movement in your life, and you’ll eventually develop your ability to see spiritually. Then you won’t struggle so hard on the rest of your journey here on earth.

Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came. Jeremiah 31:21a

No Works-Based Cure….

The world will never grasp the idea that sin has no works-based cure. Yet it will continue to try to find a remedy without God’s help. Jesus is the cure for the sin problem we all have. And it’s not until people realize this, that true change will come. I’m not talking about “feeling better about yourself” change. I’m talking about “transformation” change. That’s the only cure for sin. And Jesus is the only way to get there.

12 This is what the Lord says:“Your injury is incurable–a terrible wound.13 There is no one to help you or to bind up your injury.No medicine can heal you.14 All your lovers–your allies–have left you and do not care about you anymore.I have wounded you cruelly, as though I were your enemy.For your sins are many, and your guilt is great.15 Why do you protest your punishment–this wound that has no cure? I have had to punish you because your sins are many and your guilt is great. Jeremiah 30:12-15

Skill Level, Social Skills, Or Being Moral?

As an employer, you want to hire the best person for the job. But how do you know what “best” is? Is it skill level? Social skills? Being moral? To me the best person for the job is someone I can trust. Integrity should be the key factor in the hiring process. Someone’s skill level may exceed the requirements, but if they lack integrity, they are not the “best” candidate. You can always train a person to do a job by teaching them the skills needed to accomplish it’s task. But you can not teach integrity. You either have it or you don’t. It’s learned through living life and having someone model it for you. People with integrity treat other’s (employers) stuff better than their own stuff because they know they are accountable for their behavior. Simply put, I’d rather hire someone with integrity and have to train them, than hire someone with skills but lacking in integrity and suffering the fallout later on. Integrity matters, for it has no holiday.

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

Refuse To Love And Accept The Truth….

If you examine the human spirit to its core you will find the reason why some end up in Hell. It’s not because they never heard the name of Jesus. It’s not because God is a tyrant. It’s not because of a bad experience. It’s not something their parents did to them as a child. The reason is that they refuse to love and accept the truth. And this truth is the only way to be saved. People choose to deny the truth that can save them. That’s it. It’s that simple. Until you come to the point in your life where you can look past yourself and be honest, you’ll never get past your pride. It’s not what happens to us in life that matters, it’s what we do about it that does. If you refuse to be honest with yourself, you’ll never find the remedy for your sinful dilemma. Jesus is waiting, He’s even calling out your name, waiting for your response. The only way you’ll ever hear His voice is for you to accept the truth. It starts with honesty with yourself. The reason Hell exists is because people refuse to accept truth, and thus, choose their destiny because of it, receiving the justice they deserve.

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. 2 Thessalonians 2:10

Does Your Life Honor God?

Does your life honor God? Do you live in such a way that the people around you honor Jesus because of it? If not, what holds you back?

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12a

Divine Election: What Kind Of Heart You Have….

Have you ever thought about divine election? God choosing us? I can’t fully explain it, but I can say I believe it’s true. When God chooses His followers, He gives them hearts that recognize Him as Lord. And those who have been given this gift, remain faithful because of it. There is no alternative to God. You either recognize Him as Lord, or you don’t. It’s all dependent on what kind of heart you have.

5 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians. 6 I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back hyuere again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. 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 writing holeheartedly.8 “But the bad figs,” the Lord said, “represent King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials, all the people left in Jerusalem, and those who live in Egypt. I will treat them like bad figs, too rotten to eat. 9 I will make them an object of horror and a symbol of evil to every nation on earth. They will be disgraced and mocked, taunted and cursed, wherever I scatter them. 10 And I will send war, famine, and disease until they have vanished from the land of Israel, which I gave to them and their ancestors.” Jeremiah 24:5-10

A True Follower Of God Always…..

A true follower of God always points people away from evil and back to God.

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

What God Chooses, He Never Loses….

Whom God chooses, He never loses. Think about that for a minute. If God chose you to be a faithful follower, He will provide you with everything you need to remain a follower. And He will make sure you remain faithful. God doesn’t make mistakes. And even if we do, God’s chosen ones are not mistakes. Let that truth rest on your soul today.

3 But I will gather together the remnant of My flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord have spoken! Jeremiah 23:3-4

What Does It Mean To Know God?

What does it mean to know God? According to Jeremiah chapter 22, to know God means being just and right in our dealings. It means giving justice and helping the poor and needy. When you know God two things happen: you learn your place in this world, your purpose, and you put into action what you know to be true. What’s true is God is real now in our lives, it’s no longer a question. Since He is real, that makes us accountable to Him. The more we come to know God, the more we become like Him. Justice, mercy, grace, and love all become a part of who we are. Thus, God works on us from the inside. That’s how real change occurs. Unless it comes from the inside, we will never be consistent. We will never make a difference in the world, at least not an eternal difference. People judge us by our actions. So put your knowledge of God on display for all the world to see, it’s how God designed us. Actions speak louder than words; they are proof of our walk with Him. You can’t give what you don’t have.

But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!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

Test To See Where You Are In Your Walk….

Here’s a simple test to see where you are in your walk with God. How do you feel, or what happens to you when you’re in a conversation and you know Jesus is the answer, but you don’t say anything? Are you convicted? Is there burning in your heart? When truth is muffled do you have a problem with it? When you see evil prevailing does it bother you? If so, then the sanctification process is well under way. You are not there yet, but you are for sure growing in the Lord. Truth does this to authentic God-seekers. It may not always be pleasant, but the rewards that will later come won’t compare to the discomfort you may experience now. Jeremiah is a perfect example of this.

9 But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! Jeremiah 20:9