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Outcomes of God's Word in Discipling Nations (Insights in Prophets)

12/28/2012

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Jer. 7-13 explained how to equip shepherds after God's heart to disciple nations. Jer. 14-20 explained the outcomes of God's word in discipling nations. Confess your sins, hope in God and put confidence in God's word as your joy and delight so it burns in your heart to warn the church of the devastating consequences when it forsakes Him.

Confess Your Sins and Hope in God
The Lord said to Jeremiah that Judah mourned and her cities languished with dismay, sin and backsliding during drought. He asked that God not forsake them as their Hope and Savior in distress. The Lord said His people loved to wander and punished them for their sins. He told Jeremiah not to pray for their well-being as God would not accept them. He destroyed them with sword, famine and plague. Prophets lied and told delusions from their own minds about lasting peace. Everyone perished by sword and famine they deserved. God overflowed with tears for His people who suffered a grievous wound without healing. They confessed their sin and put their hope in God who brought rain (Jer. 14:1-22). Confess your sins and hope in God to experience healing during judgment of wars, famine and plagues.

Let God's Word Be Your Joy and Delight
God destroyed Judah with death, sword, starvation and captivity because they rejected Him through constant backsliding. He made their terrified widows more numerous than the sand of the sea. He enslaved and gave their wealth as plunder without charge because of their sins. Jeremiah suffered persecution and reproach for God's sake. His words were the joy and delight of His heart as he ate them. His wound and pain were grievous and incurable. By repenting and saying worthy words, God restored Jeremiah to serve Him as His spokesman. God made him a wall of bronze so His people could turn to him. They fought against Jeremiah but God rescued and saved him from the wicked (Jer. 15:1-21). Allow God's word be your joy and delight when disobedient believers persecute you. 

Make God Your Strength and Refuge
God told Jeremiah not to marry or have children because they would die by sword and famine. He withdrew blessing, love, joy and gladness from His people because their fathers worshiped other gods and followed their stubborn and evil heart instead of obeying God. He threw them in an unknown land to serve their gods without God's favor. Someday He restored them to the land He gave their forefathers. But now He repaid them double for their sins because they defiled His land with vile images and detestable idols. Nations acknowledged that God was their refuge in time of distress and their fathers possessed false and worthless idols. He taught them His power and might so they would know the Lord (Jer. 16:1-21). Make God your strength and refuge so you can teach nations to know His power too. 

Place Confidence in God's Word
Judah engraved sin with a flint point on the tablets of their hearts and high places. Because of sin, they lost wealth, God's inheritance and freedom. Cursed was the one who trusted in man and depended on flesh for his strength by turning away from the Lord. He was like a bush in the wastelands not seeing prosperity when it came. He dwelled in a desert where no one lived. Blessed was the man who placed his confidence in the Lord like a tree planted by the water that sent its roots by the stream. It did not fear when heat came, its leaves were always green without worries in a year of drought and never failed to bear fruit. No one understood a deceitful heart that was beyond cure. The Lord searched the heart and examined the mind to reward a man according to his deeds. Jeremiah asked God to heal and save him. People asked where was God's word so it could be fulfilled. Jeremiah continued being His shepherd knowing that God was His refuge in the day of disaster. Unless Judah obeyed the Sabbath by not doing work, God consumed Jerusalem's fortresses (Jer. 17:1-27). Place confidence in God's word to heal deceitful hearts and desolate cities.

Continue Teaching God's Word and Call People to Confess Sin
Israel was like clay in the potter's hand. If a nation repented of evil, God did not destroy it. He reconsidered doing good if a nation disobeyed God. Jeremiah warned Judah of God bringing disaster unless they turned from their evil ways. God told Jeremiah to ask the nations if they heard anything like Israel forgetting God, worshiping worthless idols and stumbling in the ancient paths causing destruction and scorn. People attacked Jeremiah with their tongues and paid no attention when he said the priests and prophets lost the teaching of the law. Because his accusers tried to kill Jeremiah, he asked God to bring famine and death against them (Jer. 18:1-23). Continue teaching God's word and call people to confess sin reminding nations of the outcome when people disobey Him. 

Warn Church of Devastating Consequences of Forsaking God
God told Jeremiah to buy a clay jar and say to Judah's kings and Jerusalem that He would bring disaster upon them because they forsook God, shed innocent blood and burned their sons on the high places of Baal without His command. God ruined their plans, killed them before their enemies and devastated Jerusalem making it an object of scorn. They ate one another's flesh during the stress of the siege by enemies who sought their lives. Jeremiah broke the jar to represent how God smashed Judah and Jerusalem. He said that the Lord Almighty would bring every disaster Jeremiah pronounced because they did not listen to his words (Jer. 19:1-15). Warn the church of devastating consequences if it forsakes God, sheds innocent blood and adds to His word.

Share God's Word that Burns in Your Heart
Pashhur, the chief officer in the Lord's temple, had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks. He said Babylon would carry Judah and their wealth into captivity. Those who prophesied lies died in Babylon. Jeremiah complained about ridicule and mocking because he proclaimed violence and destruction. God's word brought insult and reproach everyday. The word in his heart was like a burning fire shut up in his bones. He was weary holding it in. But the Lord was like a mighty warrior to defeat and disgrace his persecutors. Jeremiah praised God who rescued him from the wicked, but cursed the day of his birth because of trouble and sorrow (Jer. 20:1-18). Share God's word that burns in your heart and trust Him to fight against your persecutors. 

Which of the following outcomes of God's word in discipling nations that you must embrace today. What action will you take?  

1. God's word heals during judgment of wars, famine and plagues
2. God's word is your joy and delight during persecution
3. God's word is your strength and refuge to teach nations His power
4. God's word heals deceitful hearts and desolate cities
5. God's word warns nations of devastating consequences when they forsake God




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How to Equip Shepherds to Disciple Nations (Insights in Prophets)

12/25/2012

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How does the church deal with spiritual, emotional, mental, social and physical devastation in every nation? 
Jeremiah taught in Jer. 1-6 that you must drink from rivers of living water to empower prayer and fasting for shepherds after God's heart to disciple biblical illiterate people in every city and nation. 

Jer. 7-13 explained how to equip shepherds after God's heart to disciple nations. Deal justly with poor, repent of sin, appreciate God's word and ways, call upon a wise and powerful God, trust Him for protection from persecution, care for nations in complex situations and be humble to praise and honor Him. 

Deal Justly with the Poor and Embrace Truth
Jeremiah told Judah to reform their ways and actions to not trust in deceptive words. He asked them to deal justly with the alien, fatherless, widow; not shed innocent blood; not to follow other gods; not allow God's name become a den of robbers and not trust in the temple. By serving the Queen of Heaven, they harmed themselves to their own shame. By following the inclinations of their evil hearts, they went backward and refused correction. When truth perished and vanished from their lips, God rejected and abandoned this generation. Joy and gladness left and the land became desolate (Jer. 7:1-34). Deal justly with the poor and embrace truth to see progress in your city.

Repent of Sin and Know God's Word
Jerusalem relied on deceit, refused to repent of their wickedness and pursued their own course like a horse charging into battle. God's people did not know the requirements of the Lord. The scribes handled God's word falsely. All were greedy for gain. Prophets and priests practiced deceit and dressed peoples' wounds superficially. They called for peace and healing but only terror came. God mourned when enemies crushed His people. No healing was available for the wound of His people (Jer. 8:1-22). Repent of sin and know God's word as the first step to heal wounds.

Appreciate God's Ways 
Instead of triumph in God's truth, His people sinned and trusted deception. No one was instructed by God to know what ruined the land. People forsook the Law and followed the stubbornness of their hearts to worship Baal. Let not the wise, strong and rich boast of their wisdom, strength and riches. Instead, let him boast that he understood and knew God since He delighted in kindness, justice and righteousness on earth (Jer. 9:1-26). Appreciate God's ways instead of trusting the deception of man's wisdom, strength and riches.

Call Upon a Wise and Powerful God
Do not learn or fear a nations' worthless ways, customs and idols. No nation or kingdom could endure the wrath of a wise, powerful, eternal God and King. False gods perished as they did not create the heavens and earth. God made the earth, founded the world by wisdom and stretched out the heavens by understanding. He sent lightning and brought wind from His storehouses. Peoples' idols were worthless and they had no knowledge. They felt hopeless to cure their wounds and sickness in their homes and families. Senseless shepherds who did not talk with God caused His flock to scatter. A man did not own his life and could not direct his steps. Jeremiah prayed for God's wrath to be poured on nations that did not call on Him since they destroyed His people (Jer. 10:1-25). Call upon a wise and powerful God to heal your wounds and discover His purpose. 

Trust God for Protection from Persecution
God told Judah through Jeremiah to obey His covenant given to those He brought out of Egypt as His people. Throughout history, God warned them to obey Him. Instead, they followed their stubborn, evil hearts and experienced the curses of disobedience and disaster. When evil people plotted to destroy Jeremiah if he continued prophesying against them, he committed his cause to God. God promised to kill his enemies (Jer. 11:1-23). Trust God for protection from persecution while discipling nations in His word.  

Care for Nations in Complex Situations
Jeremiah asked why the wicked bore fruit when God was far from their hearts. Even though their grass withered, people thought God would not see it. If someone stumbled in safe country, how could they manage in the thickets by the Jordan? Their brothers betrayed them pretending to speak well. God allowed them to be devoured by their enemies like a speckled bird of prey. Many shepherds ruined His vineyard and turned His pleasant field into a desolate wasteland. The whole land laid waste because no one cared. People wore themselves out and gained nothing. God showed compassion to His people and brought them back to their land. Any nation that learned about God was established among His people. He destroyed those who did not listen to Him (Jer. 12:1-17). Care for nations (niches) living in complex situations so they can fellowship with God's people.

Be Humble and Glorify God
God told Jeremiah to wear and hide a belt so it would be useless. It represented how He ruined Judah's pride in  serving other gods. God planned to bound the house of Israel and Judah as His people for renown, praise and honor. Instead of their wineskins being filled with wine, He filled kings, priests, prophets and everyone with drunkenness so they would not be reconciled with one another. Their pride and not giving glory to God brought darkness, captivity and exile. Trusting false gods scattered and prevented them from doing good (Jer. 13:1-27). Be humble and glorify God so you can praise and honor Him.


Consider the following checklist in equipping shepherds to disciple the nations:
1. Deal justly with the poor to see progress in your city
2. Repent of sin and know God's word as the first step to heal wounds
3. Appreciate God's ways instead of trusting the deception of man's wisdom, strength and riches
4. Call upon a wise and powerful God to heal your wounds and discover His purpose
5.  Trust God for protection from persecution while discipling nations in His word 
6. Care for nations in complex situations so they can fellowship with God's people
7. Be humble and glorify God so you can praise and honor Him
Which one will you begin to apply now?

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Experiencing the Mighty Power of God in Your Life (Insights in NT)

12/22/2012

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"The deeper we are willing to enter into the death of self, the more shall we know of the mighty power of God, and the perfect blessedness of a perfect trust" (Andrew Murray). 

Believe God's grace and preach Christ's resurrection being accountable to mature believers as you confront the false law gospel, let the law reveal sin, receive the Holy Spirit, experience godly character and do good to all men.

Believe in God's Grace and Preach Christ's Resurrection
God who raised Jesus from the dead for the forgiveness of sins to rescue people from the present evil age sent Paul to preach grace and peace according to God's will and glory. Paul was astonished the Galatians quickly deserted God and Christ's grace by turning to a different gospel. Those who preached a perverted gospel should be eternally condemned. Paul would not be Christ's servant if he tried to please and win people's approval. Christ revealed the gospel to Paul. It did not originate or was taught by men. Paul persecuted and tried zealously to destroy the church of God while advancing in Judaism. God set him apart from birth and revealed His Son through grace so He could preach Christ among the Gentiles. Instead of consulting the apostles in Jerusalem, he went immediately to Arabia and later returned to Damascus. After three years, he stayed fifteen days with Peter and saw James, the Lord's brother. The churches of Judea did not know Paul even though they heard he preached the faith he once tried to destroy (Gal. 1:1-24). Believe in God's grace and preach Christ's resurrection to forgive sins and rescue people from the world.

Be Accountable to Mature Believers
Fourteen years later, Paul took Barnabas and Titus to meet with the Jerusalem leaders in verifying that he preached a correct gospel. They ignored false brothers who wanted Titus to be circumcised as a Greek. In this way, the Galatians would understand the freedom and truth of the gospel. James, Peter and John added nothing to Paul's message to the Gentiles, but gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized God's grace among them. They agreed that Paul and his team should preach to the Gentiles and they to the Jews without forgetting the poor (Gal. 2:1-10). Be accountable to mature believers as confirmation that your ministry is on the right track. 

Confront the False Law Gospel 
Peter separated himself from eating with Gentiles after the circumcision group arrived. Other Jews and Barnabas were led astray by this hypocrisy. When Paul saw they did not act according to the truth of the gospel, he confronted Peter in front of everyone. Why would a Jew who lived liked a Gentile force them to follow Jewish customs. A man was proved a sinner because he could not be justified by observing the law but only by faith in Christ. Paul died to the law so he might live for God. Being crucified with Christ, he no longer lived, but Christ lived in him. He lived his life by faith in Christ who loved and gave Himself for him. Paul did not set aside God's grace because Christ died for sinners who never could be righteous through the law (Gal. 2:11-21). Confront the law gospel in example and words as you live by faith through Christ's grace.

Let the Law Reveal Sin 
Paul asked the Galatians who deceived them in thinking they could receive the Spirit by observing the law through human effort instead of believing in Christ. God gave the Spirit and worked miracles in response to believing in Christ, not following the law. For example, Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Those who believe as Gentiles were children of Abraham.  They were justified by their faith like Abraham in blessing all nations through him. Because no one could keep the law perfectly, Christ redeemed people from the curse of the Law by taking it upon Himself when was crucified. The blessing given to Abraham came to the Gentiles by faith in Christ through the promise of the Spirit. The Law came 430 years after Abraham even though it could not impart life because of man's sin. Scripture declared that the world was held as a prisoner of sin by the law until faith was revealed.  The law led people to Christ so they could be justified by faith and not under the law's supervision. People became sons of God through faith in Christ. Every race, occupation or gender became one and belonged to Christ as Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise (Gal. 3:1-29). Let the Law reveal sin and have faith in Christ to be made righteous.

Receive the Holy Spirit to Walk in Freedom 
Children and even slaves who owned the whole estate were still subject to guardians until the time set by their father. Believers were slaves to the basic principles of the world. However, God sent His Son, born of a woman under the law, to redeem those under law so they could receive their full rights of sons by the Holy Spirit in calling out "Abba, Father." The Galatians denied the joy of their inheritance as sons by becoming slaves in observing special days and months. Paul who felt the pains of childbirth until Christ was formed in them feared he wasted time in telling the truth. False teachers wanted to alienate the Galatians from him. Abraham had two sons, one born naturally (Ismael) by a slave woman, Hagar, and the other born as a result of promise (Isaac) by a free woman, Sarah. Hagar represented the Law and slavery. Sarah represented the covenant of promise and freedom. Ismael born in the ordinary way persecuted Isaac who was born by the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture said to reject the slave woman's son since he would never share in the inheritance of the free woman's son. Therefore, be children of the free woman instead of the slave woman (Gal. 4:1-31). Receive the Holy Spirit to walk in freedom as God's son instead of slavery to the Law.

Experience Godly Character 
Standing firm in Christ's freedom prevented slavery's yoke. Those who became circumcised must obey the whole Law. Trying to be justified by Law alienated them from Christ and His grace. Faith through the Holy Spirit produced righteousness. In Christ, neither the act of circumcision nor uncircumcision had value, but faith expressing itself through love. Those who preached circumcision caused confusion like yeast spreading itself through the whole batch of dough. Freedom gave no license for indulging the flesh, but serving one another in love. Loving your neighbor as yourself summarized the Law to prevent people from biting, devouring and destroying one another. Those who lived by the Spirit inherited the kingdom of God and prevented fleshly desires like sexual immorality, impurity, party spirit, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness and orgies. The fruit of the Spirit was love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control without Law. Those who belonged to Christ crucified the flesh with its passions while keeping in step with the Spirit without conceit or provoking and envying each other (Gal. 5:1-26). Experience godly character through the power of the Holy Spirit as you serve others in love. 

Do Good and Bless All Men
Spiritual people watch themselves to stop temptation so  they can gently restore people caught in sin. Carry each other burdens to fulfill the law of Christ. Deception occurred when anyone thought he was something when he was nothing. Each should carry his own load and not compare himself to others. Those who received instruction in the word must share financially with the teacher. God cannot be mocked since men reap what they sow. He who sowed to please his flesh reaped destruction and the one who sowed to please the Spirit reaped eternal life. Doing good to everybody, especially believers, at every opportunity, reaped a harvest at the proper time. Those who boasted about their flesh by compelling  circumcision desired a good outward impression and avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.  In contrast, Paul boasted in the cross through which the world was crucified to him and he to the world. Works like circumcision or uncircumcision meant nothing compared to the new creation that produced peace and mercy (Gal. 6:1-18). Do good and bless all men spiritually, emotionally, financially and physically as you have opportunity.

Do you believe in God's grace?
Do you preach Christ's resurrection?
Are you accountable to mature believers?
Do you confront the false law gospel?
Do you let the law reveal sin in your life?
Do you receive the Holy Spirit moment by moment?
Do you experience godly character as you trust the Holy Spirit? 
Do you bless all men making the most of the opportunity? 




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How to Manage Work Life Balance (Insights in Psalms)

12/20/2012

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"Try to give your agenda to God. Keep saying, 'Your will be done, not mine.' Give every part of your heart and your time to God and let God tell you what to do, where to go, when and how to respond. God does not want you to destroy yourself. Exhaustion, burnout, and depression are not signs that you are doing God's will. God is gentle and loving. God desires to give you a deep sense of safety in God's love. Once you have allowed yourself to experience that love fully, you will be better able to discern who you are being sent to in God's name" (Henri J. M. Nouwen).

Our culture celebrates workaholics. Excessive study and work become wearisome and worthless. Even pleasure and achievements have no ultimate meaning. Instead, find satisfaction in God so you can enjoy your beautiful and enduring work as you embrace partnerships, listen to God and live in the present without knowing the future. 

Know the Meaninglessness of Excessive Study
Solomon said everything was meaningless and wearisome because man gains nothing with his labor. Nothing was new under the sun. Men were forgotten in future generations. God laid on Solomon, the teacher, and others this heavy burden of studying and exploring wisdom of everything on earth. What was twisted cannot be straightened and what was lacking cannot be counted. Solomon grew and increased in wisdom and knowledge more than past rulers in Jerusalem. Much wisdom and knowledge leads to madness, folly, sorrow and grief (Eccles. 1:1-18). Know the meaninglessness of excessive study to increase your wisdom and knowledge.


Find Satisfaction in God Instead of Pleasure and Accomplishments
Pleasure and great projects became meaningless and worthless. The only reward for pursuing what he desired was delight in his work. All achievements were meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Wisdom was madness and folly even though it was better than the latter. The fool and the wise have the same fate but both would be forgotten. Solomon hated life because work was grievous and meaningless. Nothing could be taken with him after he died. A fool might control the work he poured effort, knowledge and skill. Work was meaningless since it had pain, restlessness and grief. Only God could reward him with satisfaction. No one found enjoyment apart from God since He gave wisdom, knowledge and happiness to those who pleased Him. God gave the sinner the task of gathering wealth to the one who pleased Him (Eccles. 2:1-26). Find satisfaction in God realizing the worthlessness of pleasure and acomplishments. 

Enjoy Your Beautiful and Enduring Work
There was a time for every activity. A time for birth and death, plant and uproot, kill and heal, tear down and build, weep and laugh, mourn and dance, scatter stones and gather them, embrace and refrain, search and give up, keep and throw away, tear and mend, silent and speak, love and hate, and war and peace. God made everything beautiful in its time. He set eternity in the hearts of men yet they cannot figure what God did from beginning to end. Nothing was better than to find satisfaction and doing good in his work as a gift from God. Everything He did endured forever since God did not add or take away anything. Man revered God for His works since He judged the righteous and the wicked who return to dust. Nothing was better than enjoying one's work (Eccles. 3:1-22). Enjoy your kingdom work since God made everything beautiful in its time to endure forever.

Embrace Partnerships in Life and Work
Solomon looked at the oppressed without comforters since oppressors had power on their side. Labor and all achievements sprang from man's envy of his neighbor. A fool ruined himself with too much work. Better to maintain a margin of tranquility than being a workaholic depriving oneself of enjoyment. Two were better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one fell down or overpowered, his friend could help or defend him. A cord of three strands was not quickly broken. Better a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who ignored warnings. It was impossible to please everyone (Eccles. 4:1-16). Embrace partnerships in life and work for protection and balance. 

Listen to God for Contentment
One should guard his steps and listen before interceding when he or she approached God. Use few words and fulfill vows before Him to prevent sin and work from being destroyed. Stand in awe before God instead of many dreams and words. Do not be surprised when the poor's rights were denied since the profit motive caused oppression and injustice. Those who love money were never satisfied with their income. Increased resources caused increased consumption. The laborer slept restfully while the rich stayed awake. One cannot take money with them after they die. It was God's gift for men to enjoy their labor, wealth, possessions and lot in life being occupied with gladness of heart (Eccles. 5:1-20). Listen to God for contentment in your work and lot in life. 

Live in the Present
It was also meaningless if a stranger enjoyed his wealth and high position instead of himself. It was meaningless if a fool's or wise person's appetite was unsatisfied. No one could contend with one stronger than himself. More words resulted in less meaning and profit. Who knew what was good for a man during his short life since no one could predict the future after he died (Eccles. 6:1-12). Live in the present being concise and not overreaching since you cannot predict the future.

Consider how you are managing your work life balance by rating yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest in the following areas: 
1. I know the meaningless of excessive study to increase my wisdom and knowledge
2. I find satisfaction in God instead of pleasure and achievements
3. I enjoy my beautiful and enduring work in building up God's kingdom
4. I embrace partnerships in life and work for protection and balance
5. I listen to God for contentment in my work and lot in life
6. I live in the present being concise and not overreaching since the future cannot be predicted

Ask God to work in those one or two areas where you scored the lowest. 







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Pray for Those Who Can Disciple the Nations (Insights in Prophets)

12/15/2012

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"To relativize Truth by soft-pedaling the authority of Scripture in any sphere of life is a renunciation of
Christian responsibility, an abdication of Christian conviction, and a cave-in of Christian courage" (James Nickel).


In order to communicate a biblical worldview, drink from rivers of living water (Christ), pray for shepherds after God's heart, fast on behalf of biblical illiterate people, search for honest and truthful people and teach nations to walk according to God's word.

Communicate a Biblical Worldview to Build Up Nations

God's word came to Jeremiah during Josiah's and his son's reign when Jerusalem went into exile. God appointed Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations before he was born. As a child, he told the Lord he did not know how to speak. Because God rescued him, He sent Jeremiah to say whatever He commanded without fear. God touched Jeremiah's mouth so His words could uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, and to build and to plant nations and kingdoms. He showed him an almond tree branch and boiling pot representing the northern kingdom's kings whose thrones in Jerusalem judged God's people for worshiping what they made. He supported Jeremiah as he stood for truth before everyone, including Judah's political and religious leaders, even as they fought against him (Jer. 1:1-19). Communicate a biblical worldview to build up nations in God's truth and destroy falsehood.

Drink from Springs of Living Water
Israel was holy and loved God, but followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. The people and priests who did not know God failed to ask, "Where is the Lord?" They exchanged His Glory for worthless idols. They forsook God, the spring of living waters, and dug broken cisterns that cannot hold water. The stain of guilt was before God when they pursued foreign gods. They ran like a wild donkey and asked to be saved while in trouble. God's people did not respond to correction, did not admit their sin and forgot Him. Men found the lifeblood of the innocent poor on their clothes. They were not helped by Egypt or Assyria in which they trusted (Jer. 2:1-37). Drink from springs of living water to receive God's glory and obtain help in trouble. 

Pray for Shepherds after God's Heart
Prostitution and wickedness defiled the land and withheld showers. Israel did not return to God, but committed adultery with stone and wood. Unfaithful Judah showed pretense by not returning with all her heart. Faithless Israel was more righteous than unfaithful Judah. Jeremiah called Israel to acknowledge her guilt of scattering favors to foreign gods so she would return  to a merciful God. Then He would give shepherds after His own heart to lead them with knowledge and understanding. They called Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord where all nations gathered to honor His name by not following their stubborn hearts. In the future, Israel and Judah joined together with God who treated them as sons, giving them desirable land and desiring they call Him Father. Instead they perverted their ways and forgot Him. God cured backsliding, shame and disgrace caused by sin when shameful gods consumed the fruits of their fathers' labor (Jer. 3:1-25). Pray for shepherds after God's heart to lead people with knowledge and understanding. 

Fast on Behalf of Biblical Illiterate People
Return to God in a truthful, just and righteous way so  nations be blessed and glory in Him. He called Judah to not sow among thorns, listen to God and put on sackcloth since a destroyer of nations would cause ruin in their land and cities. Kings and officials lost heart, priests were horrified and prophets appalled while deceived people said they had peace. God sounded the trumpet and called them to wash their evil and rebellious heart. Then they gained salvation while the whole land lied in ruins. As foolish children, they did not know God and were without understanding and wisdom. The earth was formless and empty; the heavens' light was gone. The fruitful land was a desert, every town lied in ruins and His people cried because their life was given over to murderers (Jer. 4:1-31). Fast on behalf of biblical illiterate people without understanding and wisdom to worship God in truth and righteousness. 

Search for Honest and Truthful People
Search for one person who dealt honestly and sought truth so God can forgive that city. The pain He brought to cities only made their faces harder than stone in refusing to repent. Because the poor and leaders did not know God's ways and His requirements, they broke off the yoke and tore off the bonds in rebellion. Even though God supplied their needs, their children forsook Him, worshiped false gods and lusted after other men's wives. Israel and Judah were completely unfaithful to God. They lied saying He would do nothing and not experience war or famine. They did not believe that prophets were speaking God's word. As a result, He made Jeremiah's words a fire to consume His people like wood. God would send a distant nation whose language they did not know to devour their harvests, food, sons, daughters, flocks, herds, vines and fig trees along with destroying their fortified cities in which they trusted. God called foolish and senseless Judah who could not see or hear to fear and tremble in His presence. Their sins deprived them of good. Deceitful rich and powerful men among them did not defend the rights of the poor. People loved when prophets prophesied lies and priests ruled by their own authority (Jer. 5:1-31). Search for honest and truthful people who fear God so He can forgive their cities. 

Teach Nations to Walk According to God's Word
The tribe of Benjamin left Jerusalem for safety. The land was filled with oppression, violence and destruction so no one could live in it. Their sickness and wounds were continually before God so they could not hear Him. His word was offensive and found no pleasure in it. God's wrath was poured out on everyone since they were greedy for gain and practiced deceit including priests and prophets. They did not take seriously the wounds of God's people, but said peace when there was no peace. The Lord said to ask for the ancient paths so they could walk in the good way and find rest for their souls. They did not walk in it or even listen to watchmen who sounded the trumpet. Jeremiah asked nations to witness the disaster when His people rejected God's word and stumbled over obstacles He put in their way. A great nation was stirred up to destroy the hardened rebels that God rejected after testing them (Jer. 6:1-30). Teach nations to walk according to God's word so they find rest for their souls in contrast to those who reject Him. 

Drink from rivers of living water to empower prayer  and fasting for shepherds after God's heart to disciple biblical illiterate people in every city and nation. 

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Reconciling the Internal and External Areas of Life (Insights in NT)

12/13/2012

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"Most of our conflicts and difficulties come from trying to deal with the spiritual and practical aspects of our life separately instead of realizing them as parts of one whole. If our practical life is centered on our own interests, cluttered up by possessions, distracted by ambitions, passions, wants and worries, beset by a sense of our own rights and importance, or anxieties for our own future, or longings for our own success, we need not expect that our spiritual life will be a contrast to all this. The soul's house is not built on such a convenient plan; there are few soundproof partitions in it. Only when the conviction... not merely the idea... that the demand of the Spirit, however inconvenient, rules the whole of it, will those objectionable noises die down which have a way of penetrating into the nicely furnished little oratory and drowning all the quieter voices by their din" (Evelyn Underhill).

Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ begins the process in uniting and reconciling the inward and outward areas of life. Otherwise, we compare ourselves to others instead of seeking approval from God. 

Use Spiritual Weapons
Paul said he did not wage war like the world since his weapons were divinely power to demolish strongholds, arguments and every pretension set up against the knowledge of God. He took every thought captive so it would obey Christ and punish disobedience. The Lord gave him authority to build up even though some said his letters were weighty and forceful but he was unimpressive in person. Paul said he was consistent in his letters and in person. He did not compare himself to those who commended themselves as it was unwise to measure or compare themselves with others. Paul did not boast beyond the field assigned to him that included his gospel ministry to the  Corinthians. He hoped their faith grew so Paul's team could preach the gospel in regions beyond them. Let people boast in the Lord and get their approval from Him (2 Cor. 10:1-18). Use spiritual weapons to destroy strongholds with every thought obeying Christ so you receive approval from Him and not others. 

Be Devoted to Christ
Paul feared they would be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ like Eve being deceived by the serpent's craftiness. They received a false gospel and Paul said he was not inferior to those "super-apostles." He preached the gospel free of charge because of his love for them. He robbed other churches and Macedonia supplied his needs  because of his love for them. He warned them of false apostles pretending to be real ones. Like Satan pretending to be an angel of light, his servants pretended to be servants of righteousness. They accepted deceitful apostles who enslaved and exploited them but Paul was too weak for that (2 Cor. 11:1- 21). Be devoted to Christ so you are not deceived and enslaved by false teachers.

Boast About Your Sufferings
Paul boasted he was a Hebrew, Abraham's descendant and servant of Christ He worked harder, in prison more frequently, flogged more severely and exposed to death frequently than the false apostles. Five times he received 39 lashes from the Jews. They beat him with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times and spent a night and day in the open sea. He experienced constant danger from rivers, bandits, countrymen, Gentiles, city, country, sea and false brothers. As Paul labored, he was often without sleep, knew hunger and thirst, cold and was naked. He faced daily concern for every church feeling their weakness and sin. He boasted of his weaknesses so God would be praised. He was lowered in a basket when the Damascus governor tried to arrest him (2 Cor. 11:22-33). Boast about your sufferings, pressures and weaknesses so God is praised. 

Delight in God's Grace and Power
Paul had a vision of a man in Christ caught up to the third heaven in Paradise who heard inexpressible things. To stay humble, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment him. Three times he asked God to remove it, but said His grace was sufficient since He made perfect His power in weakness. Paul boasted about his weaknesses so Christ's power rested in him. For Christ's sake he delighted in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties. He was strong through his weaknesses ( 2  Cor. 12:1-10). Delight in God's grace and power through weaknesses, hardships and persecutions.

Pursue Loving Relationships
Signs, wonders and miracles marked Paul as a genuine apostle. He wanted to visit a third time desiring them, not their money. Since parents save for their children, he invested with love and gladness to strengthen and not burden them. He feared there may be quarreling, jealously, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder causing him grief over their unrepented impurity, immorality and sensuality (2 Cor. 12:11-21). Pursue loving relationships to strengthen others so they repent of their sins.   

Pursue Church Discipline
Paul gave a warning in his second visit, but in his third visit, every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just as Christ was crucified in weakness and lived by God's power, Paul's team lived with Him in serving them by not sparing any who sinned earlier. They must examine themselves to test whether they were in the faith and realize that Paul's team passed the test. No one could do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. He prayed for their perfection and hoped he could eliminate harshness in his God-given authority to build up and not tear down. They should aim for perfection, listen to his appeal, be of one mind and live in peace so the God of love and peace would be with them. May Christ's grace, God's love and the Holy Spirit's fellowship be with everyone (2 Cor. 13:1-14). Practice church discipline by building up and not tearing down sinning believers as you are being perfected in your weakness through God's power.
 
Consider the following process to unite and reconcile the internal and external areas of your life so weaknesses, hardships and persecutions don't upset you:
1. Use spiritual weapons to destroy strongholds with every thought obeying Christ so you receive approval from Him and not others
2.  Be devoted to Christ so you are not deceived and enslaved by false teachers
3. Boast about your sufferings, pressures and weaknesses so God is praised
4. Delight in God's grace and power through weaknesses, hardships and persecutions
5. Pursue loving relationships to strengthen others so they repent of their sins
6. Practice church discipline by building up and not tearing down sinning believers as you are being perfected in your weakness through God's power 








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God Calls You to Act with Boldness (Insights in Psalms)

12/10/2012

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"God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts" (John Newton).

Esther describes a story with unbelievable twists and turns. You will see God's sovereign hand at work when He calls His servants to act with boldness. 

God Raises Up Leaders for His Purpose
Xerxes ruled 127 provinces from India to upper Nile region from Susa. In the third year of his reign, he gave a 180-day-long banquet for Persian and Media military leaders, princes and nobles to display their wealth and glory. During the last seven days, he and Queen Vashti gave individual banquets with the latter serving women in King Xerxes royal palace. When Vashti refused to display her beauty during the last day of the banquet, the king issued a decree that she be replaced and every man be ruler over his own household (Esther 1:1-22). God raises up and puts down leaders for His purpose using human decision making. 


God Reveals Important Information for Future Use
They searched for a replacement queen that included beauty treatments. Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin took his cousin, Esther, as his daughter after her parents died. When she was taken into the best place of the king's harem, Mordecai forbid her to reveal her family background. After completing 12 months of beauty treatments, Esther was made queen instead of Vashti. Mordecai told Queen Esther about an assassination plot against King Xerxes. She reported it to the king giving credit to Mordecai. Xerxes hung the two men responsible and the plot was recorded the book of the annals (Esther 2:1-23). God reveals important information to His servants for future protection. 

God Sets His People in Positions of Influence
King Xerxes gave Haman a seat of honor higher than the other nobles, Mordecai did not kneel down or pay him honor. When Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he sought to destroy the Jews. The lot fell on the twelfth month and decree to kill, destroy and plunder the Jews in every province. Mordecai and Jews fasted with sackcloth and ashes. Mordecai told Esther's attendant about the plot to kill the Jews and urged her to go into the king's presence to plead with him for her people. He told her that is she remained silent, relief and deliverance for the Jews would arise from another place but she and her father's family would die. Maybe she came to a royal position for such a time as this. She asked that they fast for three days and she would go into the king without being summoned at the risk of death (Esther 3:1-4:17). God sets His people in positions of influence to initiate deliverance against evil plots. 

God Calls His Servants to Act with Boldness
When Xerxes held out his golden scepter and asked about her request, Esther asked that he and Haman come to a banquet she prepared. She requested another banquet to answer Xerxes' question. Haman raged when Mordecai showed no fear. After boasted to his wife and friends about his wealth and honor, they convinced him to build gallows to have Mordecai hanged (Esther 5:1-14). God calls His servants to act with boldness.

God Arranges Events for Protection
That evening the king could not sleep and asked that the book of the chronicles be read where it was recorded that Mordecai exposed the plot to kill Xerxes. After learning that Mordecai had not received recognition, he asked Haman what honor should be done for him. Haman got the robe and led him on horseback through the streets. His wife and advisers said he could not stand against him because Mordecai was of Jewish origin (Esther 6:1-14). God arranges events to protect His people. 

God Humbles Evildoers
At the banquet, Esther told King Xerxes that the Jews were sold for destruction and annihilation. When King Xerxes asked who did such a thing, Esther answered it was Haman. He commanded they hang Haman on the gallows he built for Mordecai. King Xerxes gave Esther Haman's estate and placed Haman's signet ring on Mordecai. She asked that King Xerxes write an order to overrule Haman's dispatches and protect the Jews from destruction. Much joy and celebrating occurred as many people of other nationalities become Jews (Esther 7:1-8:17).  God humbles evildoers, but blesses the righteous.

God Exalts the Righteous to Serve
The king's administrators helped the Jews because they feared the prominent and powerful Mordecai.  The Jews killed 500 men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa along with 75,000 in the king's provinces. Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews to celebrate Purim annually for two days in the month of Adar when they received relief from enemies and their sorrow turned into joy. The account of Mordecai's greatness was written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia. He was second in rank to King Xerxes and held in high esteem by the Jews because he worked for the peoples' good and spoke up for the welfare of all Jews (Esther 9:1-10:3). God exalts the righteous to serve and speak up for others. 


What situations is God setting up in your life where He wants you to act with boldness? 

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Mourn Over Your City (Insights in Prophets)

12/7/2012

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What can you do when families, churches and cities are breaking apart? It begins with mourning over your situation. Mourn until you love your family, church and city like a nursing child does with his mother. Remember that God continually reveals Himself even when you are pursuing your own thing. Pursue the cultural mandate in seeking God's blessings in practical areas of life (health, housing, work, economy and family life) and the spiritual mandate to make disciples in all the nations realizing that those without Christ will go to a place where the "worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched." 

The preparation for this work is seen in Isaiah 61-64 where it instructs you to preach good news to heal captives and pray intensely day and night laying hold of God’s name in asking for His help to transform your family, church and city.

God Continually Reveals Himself
God revealed Himself to those who did not seek Him. He held out His hands to a people who pursued their own imaginations, burned incense on altars of brick, ate unclean meat and asked God to stay away. He punished them for their sin and their fathers' sin. He brought descendants from Jacob and Judah who sought Him so they could  possess and inherit His mountains. He killed those who forsook the Lord when they spread a table for Fortune and filled bowls of mixed wine for Destiny (Is. 65:1-12). God continually reveals Himself to you but judges those who forsake Him,

Seek God's Blessing (Cultural Mandate)
God said His servants ate, drank, rejoiced and sang but they went hungry with anguish of heart and broken in spirit. He gave His servants another name. They invoked a blessing in the land by the God of truth who forgot past troubles. He created a new heavens and new earth where former things were not remembered. God created Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. He rejoiced over Jerusalem and delighted in His people who no longer wept. Infants did not die and the elderly lived to an old age. They built and lived in houses while planting and eating the fruit of vineyards so they enjoyed the works of their hands instead of others. They did not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune but became a people blessed by God. The wolf and lamb fed together, the lion ate straw like the ox and the serpent ate dust (Is. 65:13-25). Seek God's blessing in all practical areas of life to transform the environment. 

Respond to God's Word Humbly
The Lord said heaven was His throne and the earth His footstool, but asked where they would build His house and resting place since He made everything. God esteemed the humble in spirit who trembled at His word. Those who worshiped an idol chose and delighted in their own ways leading to harsh treatment and dread. When He called no one answered and when He spoke no one listened (Is. 66:1-4). Respond to God's word with a humble heart.

Mourn Over Your City
Those who trembled at His word were hated and excluded by their brothers because of His name. They were put to shame when God repaid His enemies. While Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children like a country born in a day. Those who mourned over Jerusalem should rejoice and love her. They nursed and were satisfied at her comforting breasts while delighting in her overflowing abundance (Is. 66:5-11). Mourn over your city until you love her like a nursing child.

Receive Peace, Wealth and Comfort
God extended peace to Jerusalem like a river and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream. He comforted them over Jerusalem like a mother with her child. God revealed Himself to His servants and judged His enemies with flames of fire (Is. 66:12-16). Receive peace, wealth and comfort when God reveals Himself and judges your enemies. 

Make Disciples in All Nations (Spiritual Mandate)

All nations and tongues saw His glory. God sent some to the nations of Tarshish, Libya, Lydia, Tubal, Greece and distant islands who had not heard of His fame or seen His glory. They proclaimed His glory among the nations. They brought all their brothers from all nations to His holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to Him like grain offerings. God selected some as priests and Levites (Is. 66:12-21). Make disciples in all nations by proclaiming His glory and equipping disciplemakers.

Consider Eternal Outcome
Their name endured like the new heavens and new earth. All mankind bowed down to God in every season. They looked upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against Him. Their worm did not die and their fire was not quenched so all mankind would be disgusted (Is. 66:22-24). Consider the eternal outcome of those who rebel against God. 

Do you believe that people are eternally separated from God if they don't have Jesus Christ? Are you grieving over the devastation you see in families, churches and cities? Then mourn until it motivates you to pray. Gather others to pray with you. Then watch what God will do in raising up disciples among various niches and cultural spheres!

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Dynamics for Generous Giving (Insights in NT)

12/6/2012

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"Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning...He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all...Depend on it, God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" (James Hudson Taylor).

For people to give generously, their hearts must break with godly sorrow that produces repentance. People must see that their gifts are administered with integrity and love. Then people will give generously to receive increased resources, righteousness and prayer. 

Allow Joy to Triumph
Having these promises enabled his contaminated body and spirit to be purified in order to perfect holiness out of reverence for God. Paul asked that they make room in their hearts for his team since they wronged or exploited no one, but sacrificed everything for them. His confidence,  encouragement and joy about the Corinthians came as his team was harassed at every turn with conflicts on the outside and fears inside after entering Macedonia. But God who comforted the downcast comforted them through Titus. He was comforted by the Corinthians and told Paul's team of their longing and deep concern for him so his joy became greater than ever (2 Cor. 7:1-7). Allow joy to triumph through conflicts and fears as you minister sacrificially to others. 

Lead People Toward Godly Sorrow
Paul's letter caused temporary sorrow and hurt leading them to repentance. Godly sorrow brought repentance leading to salvation without regret while worldly sorrow brought death. Godly sorrow produced earnestness, eagerness to clear themselves, indignation, alarm, concern and readiness to see justice done. Paul wanted them to see how devoted they were to his team before God. They refreshed Titus' spirit and Paul's boasting was true concerning them. Titus'  affection for the Corinthians became greater as he remembered their obedience in receiving him with fear and trembling. Paul was thankful for his complete confidence in them (2 Cor. 7:8-16). Lead people toward godly sorrow that produces repentance and  salvation enhancing heart relationships with one another.

Encourage People to Give Generously
Paul shared about God's grace given to the Macedonian churches in their severe trial and extreme poverty overflowing with joy through rich generosity. They gave beyond their ability and begged for the privilege to share in serving believers. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to Paul's team according to God's will. Titus was urged to complete the grace of giving on their part. Paul wanted to test the sincerity of the Corinthians' love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. Knowing the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that even though He was rich, yet for their sakes He became poor so they through his poverty would become rich. Paul encouraged them to fulfill their desire to give according to what they had. His desire was for equality that their plenty at this time would supply what others needed. It fulfilled Ex. 16:18 that he who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little (2 Cor. 8:1-15). Encourage people to give generously by following Christ's example of one's plenty supplying the needs of others.  

Administer Gifts with Integrity
Paul thanked God that Titus had the same concern he had for the Corinthians since he came to them with much enthusiasm on his own initiative. An esteemed brother accompanied Titus as they carried and administered the offering to avoid criticism and do what was right in God's and men's eyes. Paul asked that they prove their love for Titus, his partner and fellow worker, and his brothers, representatives of the churches, so they could see it (2 Cor. 8:16-24). Administer gifts with integrity and love to avoid criticism by doing what is right in God's and men's eyes.  

Give Generously, Purposefully and Cheerfully
The Corinthians' eagerness to give stirred the Macedonians to action. Paul sent the brothers to them so his boasting would be true and make sure they were ready with their generous gift. Whoever sowed sparingly reaped sparingly and he who sowed generously reaped generously. Each man should give what he decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loved a cheerful giver. God was able to make all grace abound to them so in all things at all times they would abound in every good work. Psalm 112:9 said He scattered abroad His gifts to the poor and His righteousness endured forever (2 Cor. 9:1-9). Give generously, purposefully and cheerfully to reap and show grace bountifully in every good work.  

Gain Increased Resources, Righteousness and Prayer
God supplied seed to the sower and bread for food to increase their store of seed and enlarge the harvest of their righteousness. They would be rich in every way in order to be generous on every occasion resulting in thanksgiving to God. Not only was their service supplying the needs of believers but was overflowing in thanks and praise to God. 
They would be recipients of heartfelt prayers because of the surpassing grace of God in them. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:10-15). Gain increased resources, righteousness and prayer for generous and heartfelt giving. 

Answer the following questions as you consider the dynamics of generous giving: 
1. Is your heart breaking with godly sorrow?

2. Is your gift being administered with integrity and love?
3. Are you giving generously? 
4. Are you experiencing increased resources, righteousness and prayer? 



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Restoration of Wounded Individuals and Cities (Insights in Psalms)

12/3/2012

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"The intercession of the Holy Spirit for the saints in this present evil world must be made through believers filled with the Holy Spirit.... Many blamed young converts for backsliding, but we blamed ourselves, because we were not in a position to pray them through to victory. Oh, the tragedy, to be helpless in front of the enemy, when he was sifting young converts like wheat! In Isaiah 59 we read that God saw there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor, and this was just our case. Many of us felt the need of being "endued with power from on high" (Rees Howell). 

God restores and renews individuals and cities from wounds and captivity to sin when they expose themselves to God's word and call upon  Him.

Sin Causes Grief and Defeat
The formerly great city was deserted. She wept bitterly having no lovers to comfort her. Her friends became enemies and betrayed her. After harsh labor, Judah went into exile. The roads to Zion mourned since no one came to her appointed feasts. Her priests groaned and the maidens grieved. Her foes became her masters. The Lord brought grief because of her many sins. Her enemies laughed at her destruction. The enemy triumphed, laid hands on her treasures and entered her sanctuary. Her people groaned as they searched for bread to stay alive. Their sins were bound into a yoke. The Lord sapped their strength, rejected all their warriors and crushed their young men. They wept when no one comforted or restored their spirit. They rebelled against the command of the righteous Lord. The priests and elders perished in the city while searching for food. Jeremiah asked that God deal with their enemies as He dealt with His people over their sins (Lam. 1:1-22). Practice sin and rebellion to experience grief and defeat.

Exposure to God's Word Heals Wounds
God's wrath destroyed Judah's strongholds and brought dishonor to her kingdom and its princes. He swallowed up Israel's strength. God made Zion forget her appointed feasts and Sabbaths. He tore down the wall and destroyed the gates around Zion. Her king and princes were exiled among the nations without the law. Her prophets saw no visions from the Lord. Jerusalem's wound was as deep as the sea with no one to heal her. The prophets' vision were false and worthless as they did not expose sin to avoid Judah's captivity. People scoffed asking if Jerusalem was really called the perfection of beauty and the joy of the whole earth. Their enemies said that they swallowed up Judah. The Lord planned and fulfilled His word decreed long ago. He overthrew them without pit and exalted the strength of their enemies. 
People poured out their heart like water to the Lord asking if He ever treated people like women eating their offspring, religious leaders and young men killed in the sanctuary of the Lord and in the streets (Lam. 2:18-22). Heal wounds and captivity to sin by exposure to God's word.

Trusting God's Love and Faithfulness Brings Peace
He saw affliction, walked in darkness instead of light and were surrounded with bitterness and hardship. God weighed him down with chains, barred his way with blocks of stone, made his paths crooked and deprived him of peace so his soul was downcast. He was a laughingstock and mocked in song. The Lord's love and compassion never failed. It was new every morning because of His faithfulness. Since the Lord was his portion and good, he waited for His salvation.  God decreed both calamities and good things (Lam. 3:1-39). Trust in His love and faithfulness for peace in all your ways. 

Calling on God Overcomes Fear and Grief
They examined and tested their ways to return to the Lord. They suffered terror, ruin and destruction causing many tears without relief until the Lord looked down from heaven. It brought grief to his soul because of all the women of his city. God came near saying, "Do not fear," when He called Him from the depths of the pit.  He redeemed his life and upheld his cause in the midst of the enemies' insults and plots. Jeremiah asked God to put a veil over their hearts and destroy them (Lam. 3:1-66). Call on God for redemption from fear and grief. 

Confessing Sin Restores Foundation, Heart and Honor
The precious sons of Zion were now considered pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands. God's people became heartless like ostriches in the desert. Children begged for bread, but no one gave it them. The rich nurtured in purple lied on ash heaps. The punishment of God's people was greater than Sodom. Princes died of famine and women cooked their own children. The Lord poured out His wrath to consume Zion's foundations. Kings of the earth did not believe that enemies could enter the gates of Jerusalem. It occurred because prophets and priests sinned and shed righteous blood. The Lord scattered them and were shown dishonor without favor. Their pursuers were swifter than eagles in the sky and caught the Lord's anointed in their traps. Zion's punishment and exile ended as God punished and exposed Edom's wickedness (Lam. 4:1-22). Lose foundation, heart and honor when leaders sin and shed innocent blood.

Asking for Renewal Ends Destruction
Jeremiah asked God to remember their disgrace as He turned their inheritance to aliens and their homes to foreigners so they became orphans, fatherless and widows. They bought the water they drank and obtained wood at a price. They were weary without rest because of pursuers breathing down their necks. Because their fathers sinned, they bore the punishment of having to submit to Egypt and Assyria to get bread. Slaves ruled over them and risked their lives to get bread. Wicked men ravished women and virgins in Judah, princes hanged by their hands, elders shown no respect, young men toiled at the millstones and stopped their music, boys staggered under loads of wood and elders gone from the city gate. Sin caused their crown to fall from their head resulting in faint hearts and dim eyes. Mount Zion lied desolate with jackals prowling over it. God reigned with His throne enduring forever. Jeremiah asked God to restore them to Himself so they would return and be renewed as in past days (Lam. 5:1-22). Ask for restoration and renewal to overcome their destruction economically, physically, mentally,vocationally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Ask God to restore you from wounds and captivity to sin by exposing yourself to His word and calling upon His name.



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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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