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Christian Devotional – August 19, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 51:15–He made the earth by His power, He formed the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. TRUTH: God is all-powerful. His power is what enabled Him to create the earth and everything we see. His wisdom and understanding are unmatched and no matter what happens, He understands it and is in control of it. RESPONSE: Father, You are in control. That is the truth what I feel that or not. I will trust in Your power, wisdom, and understanding.
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Christian Devotional – August 18, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 50:34–Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon. TRUTH: The Lord prophesied the destruction of Babylon and in the middle of this long chapter about the punishment because Babylon captured Judah, Jeremiah says this verse. The people of Judah can rest and relax in their Redeemer. He is strong. He will vigorously defend the. He brings rest. The Lord is the One who will defend us. He is the only One who gives rest. He is to be our strength. As we…
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Christian Devotional – August 17, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 49:16–“The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s from there I will bring you down.” declares the Lord. TRUTH: Pride and a sense of power are very deceitful feelings. They are deceitful because they deceive the people who feel them into believing they are more than they really are. They feel safe and untouchable simply because of who they are or what they’ve done. However, no one is above God and God can bring down those who…
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Christian Devotional – August 16, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 48:10a–Cursed be the one who does the Lord’s work negligently. TRUTH: As Jeremiah delivers another prophecy, the people are told that it’s not just about doing the Lord’s work, it’s about doing it whole-heartedly. Are we diligent or negligent as we follow through with His plans? The Lord has given us all a job to do and responsibilities to maintain in obedience. If we are not diligent about His work, then we are being negligent and God will address that. RESPONSE: Father, You have given me work to do and I will be diligent to follow through with that work. I love You and want to follow through with…
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Christian Devotional – August 15, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 47:6–Alas, sword of the Lord, how long till you rest? Return to your sheath; rest and be still. TRUTH: Even as he was prophesying judgment against the Philistines, Jeremiah was still praying for them and interceding to God for them. Jeremiah knew God’s truth and the importance of the truth that he was sharing, but he also felt compassion for them and was praying that the judgments for sin would be short and simple. Do we pray for God’s mercy to be shown in every situation? RESPONSE: Father God, I don’t feel much compassion or desire for mercy today. I confess to You that is wrong. Please forgive…
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Christian Devotional – August 14, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 46:28–“Do not be afraid, Jeremiah my servant, for I am with you,” declares the Lord. “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go completely unpunished.” TRUTH: Even in the dark times, even in the times where it feels that all hope is lost, God is still in control and there is still a plan. God works to discipline us when we need it, but we can know that He is still with us, even through the difficulties and the disciplines. RESPONSE: Father, things…
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Christian Devotional – August 13, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 45:5–Should you then seek good things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life. TRUTH: Baruch was Jeremiah’s faithful secretary. Now there was a message specifically for him. Baruch was not to seek special positions or greater recognitions for what he did. He was simply to seek God. God had a plan for Baruch and he was to take comfort in that. God has a specific plan for each of us that fits in with His plan to bring Himself glory. We must all seek after the…
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Book Review – Sleigh Ride by Katie Crabapple
In this second book in the series, Millie’s friend Charlotte agrees to come out from Boston to help Millie as she prepares to give birth to her first child. A young farmer, James, in the area agrees to pay for her trip with the understanding that he will be able to court her when she arrives. Still, winter in Minnesota in the 1880s is a difficult place and Charlotte soon realizes that there is much more work to do as a farmer’s wife as she watches her friend Millie struggle with her work load. Charlotte must decide if she is going to be able to trust God to provide for…
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Christian Devotional – August 12, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 44:4–Again and again I sent my servants the prophets who said, “Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!” TRUTH: God tried to warn the people, to get their attention. He sent prophets to warn them and sought to steer them clear of the dangers of their ways. The people were not interested and did not obey, so God was going to bring judgment on them. God gives us multiple opportunities to hear His word and choose to follow it. Do we listen for these promptings. RESPONSE: Father, I want to obey You in everything and I will be looking and listening for ways to show…
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Christian Devotional – August 11, 2013
VERSE: Jeremiah 43:2–Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying!” The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.'” TRUTH: What is arrogance? Arrogance is believing that you are better than someone else. These men believed they were better than God and knew more than God. They asked Jeremiah to tell them God’s Word, but then once they had heard it, they didn’t like it so they told Jeremiah he was wrong and accused him of lying. How do we respond when God tells us His Word and…