August 11 -- "From Words to Actions"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 21 and 22 

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When my grandchildren do something that hurts another person or damages something, they often think that saying “I’m sorry” will absolve them of their wrongdoing. The lesson they must learn as they grow and mature is that just “saying” is not true repentance. True repentance is changing their behavior such that they don’t continue “doing” what is hurtful or damaging.

The Lord's call to "do justice and righteousness" in Jeremiah 22:3 reveals that true repentance is not merely verbal; it's demonstrated through our actions. God desires a transformation of our hearts that manifests in tangible expressions of love and justice toward others.

Pause and evaluate your actions in light of God's call to justice. Consider how you treat those in need, the oppressed, and the marginalized. Are you actively seeking to deliver the oppressed? Are you guarding against wrongdoing and violence in your sphere of influence? Authentic repentance involves a genuine commitment to living out God's principles in every aspect of our lives.

Imagine encountering a barren tree that, despite its beautiful leaves and eloquent promises of bearing fruit, remains unproductive. In a similar way, words devoid of corresponding actions are like a barren tree in God's eyes. On the contrary, a tree that bears fruit is a living testimony of its vitality. Likewise, our lives, when filled with the fruits of justice and righteousness, become a powerful witness to the transformative power of true repentance.

Let your life echo the profound truth of Jeremiah 22:3. Let your actions speak louder than your words, demonstrating a repentant heart that actively seeks justice, delivers the oppressed, and refrains from wrongdoing. May our lives bear fruit that glorifies God and inspires others to embrace genuine repentance.

August 10 -- "Fire in My Bones"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 19 and 20 

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When God places a message in someone's heart, it becomes a compelling force that cannot be contained.

Just like the prophet Jeremiah in today's verse. He felt the pressure building, people telling him to hush up about God's message. But the words were like embers in his soul, growing hotter with every attempt to suppress them. He described it as a fire in his belly, a burning that wouldn't be ignored!

This burning message isn't just about personal feelings, though. It's a divine calling, a spark from the Holy Spirit urging us to speak God's truth boldly and without apology. We all have those moments, those situations where the fire within pushes us to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Maybe it's a conversation with a colleague about Jesus, a gentle nudge toward kindness during a family gathering, or even a comment online that promotes understanding.

Don't be discouraged if you face resistance. Remember Jeremiah? He faced plenty of opposition, but the fire within him was too strong to be extinguished. The message of God's truth has a power all its own, a power to heal, transform, and inspire.

So, how can you be a vessel for that message? Trust in God's leading. Let the fire of His word shine through you in your everyday interactions. Be a faithful steward, allowing the Holy Spirit to use you as a channel for His message. Don't let the fear of resistance hold you back! Embrace the calling with courage.

Think of yourself as a lighthouse keeper, standing tall amidst the waves. Your inner fire can become a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for those lost in darkness.  Remember, when God places a message in your heart, it becomes a compelling force, a burning truth that simply cannot be contained. Let it ignite your courage and illuminate the world with the beauty of God's word.

August 9 -- "Clay in the Potter's Hands"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 18 

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Imagine yourself in the potter's studio.

Have you ever watched a potter work their magic on a lump of clay? It's amazing how something seemingly ordinary can be transformed into a beautiful piece of art! Today, we're going to explore this idea in the context of our relationship with God.

Take a moment to ponder on the remarkable scene in Jeremiah 18:6, where God instructs Jeremiah to visit the potter's house. In this divine encounter, God reveals a profound truth about His sovereignty over our lives. Just as the potter shapes the clay, God molds and shapes us according to His divine plan. Reflect on the Potter's hands at work in your life.

In Romans 9:20-21, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the potter and the clay to emphasize that God has the right to shape and mold individuals according to His divine purpose. It is absurd to think that we, as humans, know best how to shape our own lives. We lack the wisdom and divine perspective necessary for effective self-molding. The Potter, with His perfect understanding and unconditional love, is the only One capable of shaping us into vessels of true significance and purpose.

Consider the areas in your life where you may feel unformed or incomplete. Surrender them to the Potter's hands. Allow God to reshape and refine you. Embrace the process, knowing that His design is perfect. Seek His guidance through prayer and the study of His Word, trusting that He is shaping you into a vessel for His glory.

Be patient in the Potter's hands, for He works with love and wisdom. When faced with challenges, remember that God is using that challenge to mold you for a purpose. Allow His hands to shape your character, attitude, and actions. Find comfort in the fact that the Potter knows the intricate details of His design for your life. Let this truth encourage you to walk in obedience, knowing that the One who molds you is faithful.

August 8 -- "The Deceit Within"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 17

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The idea of the human heart being deceitful and desperately sick is a central theme in the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure." This is because our hearts... 

August 7 -- "Open Secrets"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 16

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Have you ever wondered if God sees everything you do? Well, in Jeremiah 16:17, the prophet lets us know the answer – absolutely! In this verse, the prophet shares a powerful message from the Lord, reminding us that nothing is hidden from... 

New Video Format Starts Tomorrow

EXCITING NEWS!

Starting tomorrow, August 7th, we are transforming our blog format to bring you an even more enriching experience. Instead of our usual daily typed posts, we will present "A Word from the Word" devotional in a dynamic 2 to 4-minute video format each day. 

Each day's post will still contain the features you're used to: such as our daily reading plan going through the entire Bible in three years, a key verse taken from that day's reading, and insightful and inspiring comments taken from the pages of Scripture.

We can't wait to share these uplifting messages with you in a new and engaging way. Stay tuned and be blessed!

The Word from the Word Team 

August 6 -- "Spiritual Nourishment: Eating God's Words"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 15

"Spiritual Nourishment: Eating God's Words"

Sometimes people say, "You’re going to eat your words," This is a curious phrase, meaning you’ll regret something you said and have to take your words back. When Jeremiah says he “ate” God’s words, he is alluding to something completely different. He is acknowledging that the Bible is not merely a book, but is the living, breathing revelation of God's heart and wisdom and that it has supernatural power that is able to nourish his soul.

The metaphor of "eating" God's words symbolizes a deep, personal engagement with and consumption of Scripture. Just as physical nourishment sustains our bodies, consuming God's Word spiritually nourishes our souls.  As Jesus told us, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

Take intentional steps to feast on God's Word daily. Open your Bible with a hungry heart, seeking the Holy Spirit’s anointing as you seek to understand and apply its truths. As you read, meditate on the verses, allowing them to permeate your thoughts and actions. Let the joy found in God's Word become the daily nourishment of your soul.

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, remember that God's Word is your sustenance. Delight in the Scriptures, for they are your source of joy, strength, and wisdom. Approach the Bible not as a duty, but as a privilege—a divine invitation to feast on the revelation of God and to know the very heart of your Creator. As you make God's Word a priority, you'll find that it transforms your perspective, renewing your mind and guiding your steps.

Let the Scriptures become "a lamp to your feet and a light to your path" (Psalm 119:105). Just as Jeremiah found delight and great joy in God’s words, may your journey be marked by the joyous discovery and application of God's timeless truths.