211th Week, Jeremiah Intro - Chapter 4 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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 Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Jeremiah Introduction
Jeremiah Intro
Jeanie Boldt

THOUGHT
This book of the Bible was written by Jeremiah to Judah, the southern kingdom, and to Jerusalem, its capital city.  Jeremiah ministered under Judah’s last five kings.  The nation was sliding quickly toward destruction and was eventually conquered by Babylon.  

For 40 years Jeremiah served as God’s spokesman to Judah, but when Jeremiah spoke nobody listened.  Consistently and passionately he urged them to act, but nobody moved.  And he certainly did not attain material success.  He was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver his prophecies. He was thrown into prison. He was taken to Egypt against his will.  He was rejected by his family, neighbors, false priests and prophets, friends, audience and kings.  Throughout his life, Jeremiah stood alone, declaring God’s messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his beloved country.  In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah was not a success.   

But in God’s eyes, Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of history.  Success, as measured by God, involves obedience and faithfulness.  He courageously and faithfully proclaimed the Word of God.  The basic theme of Jeremiah’s message is simple:  “Repent and turn to God, or he will punish.”  But then, because the people rejected this warning, Jeremiah moved to predicting specifically the destruction of Jerusalem.

As we read Jeremiah, we need to feel with him the agony he felt over the message he had to deliver, pray for those who continue to respond to the truth and watch his example of faith and courage.  Then YOU MUST COMMIT YOURSELF TO BEING SUCCESSFUL IN GOD’S EYES!!

PRAYER
Father in heaven, we can understand why Jeremiah wept, months and years of encouraging people to change their ways and return to you.  Help us to understand the responsibility that is on our hearts and minds.  We must share Your Love and Word.  Please give us a spirit of courage and sense of responsibility.  As we study Your Word, help us grow confident in our knowledge and witnessing.  Guide each of us as we begin the study of Your Word.  Keep us faithful.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN 

Tuesday, Jeremiah Chapter 1
Jeremiah 1
Verses 7-8
Jeanie Boldt

Verses 7-8:  “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”  Says the Lord.

THOUGHT
This verse backs up the end part of the Intro written for the book of Jeremiah.  This verse puts the responsibility of sharing the news of Jesus on us.  

Often we struggle with new challenges because we lack self-confidence, feeling that we have inadequate ability, training, or experience.  Jeremiah thought he was ‘only a child’, too young and inexperienced to be God’s spokesman to the world.  But God promised to be with him.  

We should not allow feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God’s call.  He will always be with us.  When we find yourselves avoiding something we know we should do, be careful not to use lack of self-confidence as an excuse.  

If God gives us a job to do, He will provide all we need to do it!!

PRAYER
Father God, give us knowledge and courage to share the story of Jesus’s saving grace to others.  Give us just the right opportunity.  We will wait for Your call.  Fill our hearts so that the love overflows to others.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN  


Wednesday, Jeremiah Chapter 2
Jeremiah 2
Verse 13
Jane Jones

Verse 13:  My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

THOUGHT
God promises to constantly refresh us with Himself, the Living Water.

PRAYER
Lord, may we never substitute the Living Water for something artificial or imitation. AMEN


Thursday, Jeremiah Chapter 3
Jeremiah 3
Verse 13
Jane Jones

Verse 13:  “Only acknowledge your guilt--you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me.”

THOUGHT
Being sorry for sin is not enough. Repentance demands a change of mind and heart that results in changed behavior.

PRAYER
Lord, help me acknowledge the sins I have committed and the errors of my ways.  Thank You for the second chance so that I may live a new and refreshed life.  AMEN


Friday, Jeremiah Chapter 4
Jeremiah 4
Verse 22
Jane Jones

Verse 22:  “My people are fools:
they do not know me,
    They are senseless children;
they have no understanding.
    They are skilled in doing evil;
they know not how to do good.” 
                                                                                                   
THOUGHT
Right living is more than simply avoiding sin. It requires decision and discipline. We must develop skills in right living because our behavior attracts attention to our God. We should pursue excellence in Christian living with as much effort as we pursue excellence at work.

PRAYER
Lord, may we never be fools to the point of ignoring Your direction and calling. May our actions and deeds be what Your heart desires. AMEN







   














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