July 30 -- "Perpetual Backsliding"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 8

"Perpetual Backsliding"

Backsliding refers to a child of God drifting away from their close relationship with the Lord and "sliding back" into the behaviors and practices of the world around them. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, observed a distressing reality among God's people – perpetual backsliding. The chosen nation had forsaken the Lord, clinging to deceitful ways and stubbornly refusing to turn back to Him. Their spiritual decline was not occasional but a chronic dangerous pattern of distancing themselves from God.

There were many causes of their backsliding. In verse 8, the prophet addresses one significant contributing factor to the perpetual backsliding of the people – the "lying pens" of the scribes. This vivid metaphor underscores the role of those entrusted with preserving and transmitting God's truth. Unfortunately, these scribes had failed in their responsibility, engaging in deceit and distortion.

Today, we find ourselves amidst a myriad of voices claiming authority in matters of belief and practice. Unfortunately, some individuals who assume the role of teachers and pastors may wield pens and pulpits and media platforms that distort, dilute, or even deny the core truths of the Gospel.

The rise of false teachers and pastors is not a new phenomenon, but it is a persistent challenge that believers face. The "lying pens" of today can manifest in various forms, including the distortion of scriptural truths, the promotion of self-centered doctrines, and the exploitation of religion for personal gain. These deceptive influences can subtly lead individuals away from the genuine teachings of Christ, contributing to spiritual confusion and, in some cases, outright backsliding.

In the midst of a world filled with "lying pens," let us anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of God's Word. Recognize the potential impact of deceptive influences, and actively participate in upholding and proclaiming the unchanging truths of the Gospel. In doing so, we stand firm against the currents of backsliding, remaining grounded in the eternal and unshakeable foundation of God's Word.

July 29 -- "Amend Your Ways"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 7

"Amend Your Ways"

In this powerful verse, God's call to "amend your ways" is both an invitation and a challenge. Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord, emphasizing the need for a sincere and transformative shift in behavior. God's desire is not just external compliance but a genuine heart change.

The Hebrew word translated as "amend" in Jeremiah 7:3 is "הֵיטֵב" (heitev). This word is derived from a root that means “good” or “well-pleasing” and it carries the idea of making something good or improving it. In the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy, it conveys the concept of turning away from evil or wrongdoing and choosing a path that is good and pleasing in the eyes of God.

Today, as followers of Christ, the call to amend our ways resonates profoundly. Reflect on your daily choices, relationships, and the priorities that shape your life. Are there areas where your conduct needs alignment with God's Word? This goes beyond religious rituals; it's about a heart surrendered to God. Seek His guidance through prayer and Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal areas requiring amendment.

Amending one's ways involves a sincere and intentional effort to turn away from actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. The good news is that the Bible is filled with assurances that God not only desires, but actively helps and empowers His followers to amend their ways. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) This verse emphasizes that God is at work within you, both to give you the desire to change and the ability to carry it out.

Remember, amending your ways is a process that requires humility, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace. Trust in His transformative power and embrace the journey of becoming more aligned with His will.  Thus says the Lord, amend your ways!

July 28 -- "Finding Rest on the Ancient Paths"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 6 

"Finding Rest on the Ancient Paths"

The promise of "finding rest for your souls" is a profound invitation from God to experience a deep and abiding peace that transcends mere physical or emotional well-being. It speaks to the weariness and turmoil that often characterize the human soul, burdened by the struggles of life, sin, and the complexities of the world. This promise is an assurance that by embracing the ancient paths and walking in the good way—God's way—there is a provision of restfulness that goes beyond the superficial and reaches into the very core of our being.

The "ancient paths" mentioned here are a metaphor for God's ways or God's teachings. God is calling the people to reflect on their spiritual heritage and to seek out the tried and true ways of righteousness, faith, justice, humility, and faithfulness. These "ancient paths" represent a return to a life lived according to God's will, which promises peace and rest for their souls.

In the context of Jeremiah's message, the "good way" refers to the path of obedience to God's commandments, adherence to His moral standards, and a commitment to a covenant relationship with Him. This path is rooted in the timeless principles found in Scripture, revealing God's nature and His desire for His people to live in harmony with Him.

Choose today to stand by the roads of your life and seek the ancient paths. Dive into the Scriptures, meditate on God's unchanging Word, and allow it to shape your perspective. Embrace the counter-cultural nature of walking in the good way. When faced with the temptation to conform to the world's standards, remember that God's ways are higher, and His wisdom brings true rest to the soul. As Jeremiah lamented the people's refusal, let us respond with a resounding commitment: "We will walk in the ancient paths, and in them, we will find rest for our souls."

In the New Testament, Jesus repeats this invitation to find rest for our souls: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) May our loving God empower you to seek and walk in the ancient paths of righteousness, finding peace and rest for your soul in His everlasting ways.

July 27 -- "The Allure of Deception"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 5 

"The Allure of Deception"

Today we find ourselves in a world just like the one where the prophet Jeremiah once walked. He shared a profound message from the Lord about a society consumed by rebellion and unfaithfulness. Despite their disobedience, these people seemed to relish in their sinful ways, as if they preferred it that way. The phrase "My people love to have it so" reveals a disturbing truth: that many of us choose sin over obedience to God's commands.

During Jeremiah's time, false prophets offered messages that were more pleasing and aligned with the people's desires. They provided reassurance and promises of prosperity, downplaying the severity of sin and neglecting the call to repentance. People often chose these comforting messages over the challenging truths proclaimed by Jeremiah, which demanded accountability and a return to God's ways.

Sadly, this tendency towards comforting messages rather than hard truth still affects our world today. People may be drawn to false teachings and charismatic leaders who offer messages that appeal to their personal preferences and soothe their souls. Messages of prosperity, self-gratification, and diluted morality can be more attractive than the challenging call of authentic Christianity, which often involves self-sacrifice, humility, and adherence to absolute truths.

The Bible warns us of spiritual deception in the last days (Matthew 24:24), suggesting that false teachings will become increasingly prevalent. People, unknowingly (or knowingly) will choose leaders and messages that validate their preconceived notions, allowing themselves to be deceived by the subtle allure of falsehood. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3)

The prevalence of lying prophets, false priests, and feel-good preachers underscores the importance of spiritual discernment. As followers of Christ, we are called to test the spirits and compare their teachings with the unchanging standard of God's Word – "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1). By grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can guard against being swayed by deceptive influences and instead follow the path of truth and righteousness.

July 26 -- "Washing Your Heart"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 4

"Washing Your Heart"

Today’s verse echoes a timeless truth — the need for inner cleansing. Just as physical dirt stains clothing, sin stains the heart. This call to repentance is a universal plea to turn from disobedience and embrace the purifying grace of God.

This call for heart-cleansing resonates profoundly with us today. The world bombards us with influences that soil our hearts — from the allure of materialism to the distractions of digital life. We, too, must heed Jeremiah's call. Let us recognize the stains on our hearts, confess our sins, and allow the redemptive power of Christ to wash us clean.

As followers of Christ, our authenticity lies in the purity of our hearts. This underscores the profound connection between the condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith. In a real sense, authenticity goes beyond outward actions or appearances; it delves into the sincerity and integrity of our inner selves.

Authenticity in our Christian walk is not merely adhering to a set of external behaviors but stems from a genuine transformation within. It's the recognition that our hearts, once stained by sin, need cleansing through the redeeming work of Christ. As believers, our authenticity is revealed in the pursuit of a pure heart — a heart that seeks after God, loves what is good, and detests evil.

This pursuit of purity involves ongoing repentance, confession, and reliance on God's grace. It requires a commitment to aligning our innermost desires with God's will, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape and mold our character. As Psalm 51:10 (ESV) expresses, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Remember, the process of washing the heart from evil is a lifelong journey. It requires persistence, dependence on God's grace, and a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth. God, through His love and mercy, is faithful to cleanse and renew hearts that are surrendered to Him. Washing our hearts must be a daily, moment-by-moment attitude of repentance and confessing our sin. The most beautiful truth is that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

July 25 -- "The True Shepherd's Heart"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 3

"The True Shepherd's Heart"

In Jeremiah 3:15, we find a timeless promise from the Lord: "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." This verse encapsulates the divine intention to provide true spiritual leaders who lead with God's heart and nourish His people with wisdom and insight.

A true shepherd, guided by a sincere commitment to feeding the flock with knowledge and understanding of God's Word and ways, stands in stark contrast to the parade of sham or false shepherds that Israel had endured. Oh, how we need true shepherds after God’s heart in our world today. Here's a comparison between the two:

·       True Shepherd: Motivated by genuine love for God and His people, seeking the spiritual well-being and growth of the flock. Fake Shepherd: Motivated by personal gain, power, or recognition, often exploiting the flock for personal benefit.

·       True Shepherd: Grounded in sound biblical teaching, accurately representing and applying the entirety of Scriptural truth with humility and integrity. Fake Shepherd: May distort or manipulate Scripture for personal agendas, selectively emphasizing teachings that serve their own interests, or that “tickle the ears” of their listeners.

·       True Shepherd: Lives a life consistent with the teachings of Christ, serving as a positive example to the flock. Fake Shepherd: Displays hypocrisy or engages in behavior inconsistent with the values they preach.

·       True Shepherd: Invests time in nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of each individual in the flock.  Fake Shepherd: Prioritizes personal gain over the genuine needs of the flock, neglecting pastoral care.

·       True Shepherd: Operates with transparency and openness, addressing questions and concerns with humility and honesty. Fake Shepherd: May conceal information, avoid accountability, or manipulate the truth to maintain control.

·       True Shepherd: Produces fruit in the form of transformed lives, unity, and spiritual growth within the flock. Fake Shepherd: Leaves a trail of division, confusion, and spiritual stagnation, with little evidence of positive impact.

In essence, while a true shepherd genuinely cares for the spiritual well-being of the flock, a fake shepherd exploits the trust of the people for personal gain. The contrast between the two serves as a reminder for believers today to carefully discern the character and motivations of those in leadership positions, ensuring that they are being led by leaders with the heart of a true shepherd.

July 24 -- "Cracked Cisterns"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 2

"Cracked Cisterns"

People often chase after things that seem appealing but ultimately fail to deliver true satisfaction or fulfillment. In today’s verse, the Lord labels these things as “broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Cisterns were large underground collection chambers for storing reserves of fresh rainwater, often carved directly into bedrock, especially limestone. If this chamber cracked, the stored water would leak out of the crack rendering the chamber useless. God uses this “cracked cistern” as a metaphor to illustrate the futility of seeking spiritual sustainment from the wrong sources.

God’s people had abandoned the living God, who offers pure, life-giving water, for broken cisterns—man-made solutions that can never satisfy. These cisterns represent the idols and worldly pursuits that promise much but deliver nothing. God’s lament over this choice reveals His heartache over our tendency to drift away from Him.

Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there areas where you have traded God’s living water for something that cannot satisfy? It might be a career, a relationship, or even a hobby that has taken a higher place than your relationship with God. These “broken cisterns” will never fulfill the deep longing in your soul. Turn back to the Lord, the source of all life and joy. Spend time in His Word, engage in prayer, and let His Spirit refresh you.

Let go of the broken cisterns in your life. Recommit yourself to the Lord, for He alone can quench your thirst. Embrace the living water He offers, and you will find true peace and contentment. Remember, God's love for you is unchanging, and He eagerly awaits your return.

May the Lord, the fountain of living waters, fill your heart with His endless love and grace. As you turn away from the empty pursuits and "cracked cisterns" of this world, may you find your deepest satisfaction in Him alone.