August 21 -- "Listen and Receive"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 34 and 35 

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Have you ever had a conversation where you kind of hear the words, but they don't quite click? That's the difference between listening and receiving.

Our verse today is like a gentle nudge from God, reminding us to truly pay attention. Listening to Him involves focusing on His voice, whether it's through the Bible, prayer, someone speaking His truth, or the subtle impressions of the Holy Spirit on your heart. It's like perking up your ears and engaging your mind fully.

But there's more to it than just hearing. Receiving means taking what God says and applying it to your life. It's like opening your arms to a gift, letting His words change your beliefs, your outlook, and even your actions. It's a deeper level of connection, where you don't just hear the message, you live it.

To grow spiritually, every believer needs two things: “The Word OF God” and “A Word FROM God.” The difference may seem subtle, but the reality is that we all need the Lord to personalize His message to us with a voice that speaks directly into an area of our spiritual life. The Word of God – the Bible – is the foundation, the big picture - God's overall message for humanity, His character, and the path He wants us on. It provides a framework for understanding.  "A word from God” is the Holy Spirit impressing upon you and highlighting specific parts of the Word of God for your current situation. It helps you apply the big picture to your own life.

In Jeremiah 35, God asks, "Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words?" He's saying both are important! We need to be attentive listeners, but also open-hearted receivers. It's when we truly take in His message that it can truly transform us.

So, on your faith journey, remember – listening and receiving go hand in hand. By truly opening yourself up to God's voice, you can build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him, and experience the amazing changes He can bring to your life. May you open our heart to both hearing God's word and receiving His guidance for a transformed life.

August 20 -- "Call to Me"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 33

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What a profound and wonderful privilege it is to call out to our Creator and to know that He hears our call! In the quiet corners of Jeremiah 33:3, God extends a timeless invitation to each of us: "Call to Me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” 

This intimate message transcends time, beckoning us into a deep communion with our Creator. God, the Almighty, yearns for a relationship with us, and He invites us to engage in active conversation and fellowship with Him. Our prayers are not mere rituals; they are divine dialogues that involve sincerely and openly sharing our hearts with our Creator.

Calling to God means praying with a sincere and open heart, expressing our desire to connect with the One who knows our deepest thoughts and feelings. This involves sharing our joys, concerns, and thoughts with God as we would with a trusted friend. Be honest and transparent in your communication.

In the hustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the extraordinary privilege of communing with God. Take intentional moments to call upon Him in prayer, surrendering your concerns and joys alike. As you seek His counsel, you open yourself to the unveiling of great and hidden truths—spiritual treasures that transform your understanding and draw you closer to Him.

Several New Testament verses, such as "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7), affirm this divine interaction. As you heed the call of Jeremiah 33:3, embrace a life of persistent seeking, trusting in the God who longs to reveal great and hidden things to those who earnestly seek Him.

Remember, "calling to Him" is not a rigid formula, but a heartfelt pursuit of relationship. As you consistently engage in the practice of calling to your loving Heavenly Father, you'll find your connection with God deepening, and His responses to your prayers unfolding in ways that reveal His great and hidden truths.

August 19 -- "Is Anything Too Hard for Him?"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 32

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In the timeless words of the Lord, we find a profound question echoing through the ages: "Is anything too hard for me?" This query, a testament to God's boundless power and sovereignty, reminds us that our Creator is not confined by human limitations. The Lord Himself has spoken these truths, granting us insights into the omnipotence that transcends human understanding.

Consider the vast universe and the intricate balance that sustains life. The God who brought these marvels into existence is the same God who declares, "I am the Lord, the God of all flesh." This title encompasses not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of every living being, reminding us that nothing, from the smallest to the largest, is beyond His reach.

When faced with life's challenges, the enormity of God's power urges us to resist limiting Him by our finite understanding. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in the knowledge that He is not bound by human reasoning, physical strength, or worldly limitations. In the face of adversity, we find solace in knowing that the limitless power of God extends far beyond our circumstances.

One example of someone limiting God by their finite understanding can be found in the story of the disciples in Mark 4:35-41. The disciples faced a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, which they found overwhelming. Limited by their finite understanding, they cried out to Jesus, seemingly forgetting He was with them. Jesus, however, was not limited by the storm or the disciples' understanding. He simply spoke, saying, "Peace! Be still!" and the storm ceased. This example highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us that our finite understanding is not always accurate and that God's power knows no bounds.

The call to live in light of God's boundless power invites us to live a life of faith that defies the odds. Like the patriarchs of old, who trusted in the Almighty despite impossible odds, we are urged to step out boldly, confident in the presence of the God of Jeremiah. The testimonies of countless believers throughout history attest to the transformative power of God when embraced with unwavering faith.

May the words of today’s verse resonate within your heart, reminding you that your God is not confined by human limitations. Trust in the God of all flesh, for indeed, nothing is too hard for Him.

August 18 -- "Written on Our Hearts"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 31 

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Take a moment ponder the profound transformation that God's plan of salvation offers us. Instead of following a long list of rules or religious rituals, our God offers a beautiful promise – a  personal transformation that goes way deeper than any ritual. He wants to impart His truth, love and wisdom directly onto your heart, like a permanent inscription.

Think about it - from memorizing a bunch of laws to having God's truth become part of you, that's a pretty amazing shift! This "New Covenant" brought by Jesus means we don't just follow rules on the outside, but because of the entrance of the Holy Spirit, our hearts naturally want to live according to God's will.

So, here's a question for you: is the Bible just a dusty book of rules, or do its words resonate deep within you? When you read Scripture, do you feel the Holy Spirit whispering God's truth to your soul, shaping your decisions and actions?

It's a beautiful privilege! Letting God write His Word on your heart. Having God's law on our hearts means that we allow His truth and principles to enter the deepest parts of our soul and guide our thoughts, emotions, and actions. As we do, we begin to live life making godly choices. Christlike attitudes and actions become more instinctive and natural (although, in reality they are supernatural – placed inside of us by the Holy Spirit). As we live this way, we become living proof of God's amazing power to change us from the inside out.

Think of Paul the Apostle, a guy who used to follow every religious rule perfectly. But then, one day on the road to Damascus, he met Jesus, and his heart was transformed forever. The external became internal. As Paul said, "I am no longer my own, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).

Let the New Covenant be a vibrant thread woven into the tapestry of your life. Let God's Word become part of who you are, at your very core. Today, let's all live with hearts overflowing with the promises of our faithful God.

August 17 -- "Who Would Dare?"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 30 

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Imagine standing before a king—there's a protocol, a reverence, a sense of awe. Drawing near to a king without an invitation was once seen as a grave offense with severe consequences. In many nations, the penalty for such an act was severe, up to – and including – death.

Access to a king was restricted; only select individuals could approach him. There were many barriers blocking access, such as physical distance, walls and doors, armed security, and fear of reprisal. These barriers underscored the king's majesty, authority, and separation from ordinary people.

In Jeremiah 30:21, the Lord asks, "who would dare of himself to approach me?" This phrase emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are barred from drawing near to the King of the universe. Just as there were barriers for approaching a king in ancient times, sinful humans face insurmountable barriers in approaching a holy and majestic God. Our sin has caused separation from Him (Isaiah 59:2). It has created distance and alienation, leaving us unable to approach God on our own merit or efforts.

But don’t miss the beginning phrase of this verse spoken by the Lord: “I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me.” The profound GOOD NEWS of the Gospel is that we now have a standing invitation to approach our Father in Heaven! By putting our faith in Christ, all the barriers have been removed. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, has reconciled us to God (Colossians 1:19-22). He takes away our sin, cleanses us, and grants us access to the King’s presence. In Christ, we find forgiveness, restoration, and the privilege to approach God boldly and confidently, as we read in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

In our approach to God, let us lay aside any doubts or fears that might hinder us. Remember, it is not our own righteousness but the righteousness of Christ that allows us to stand before God blameless and accepted (Philippians 3:9). Let us come with humble hearts, knowing that He has invited us into His presence. 

August 16 -- "God's Hope-Filled Plans"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 29

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In the intricate fabric of our lives, God's divine guidance weaves a beautiful pattern, revealing His perfect plan. The verse from Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that our loving Creator knows and cares for each of us, and that our future is not determined by chance, but by a purposeful design filled with love and wisdom. Though this Scripture was originally written to the Israelites in captivity, its message of hope and trust in God's plan remains timeless.

God's plan for us is one of blessing and hope, not calamity and despair. In times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. His promise is not a vow to keep you from life's challenges, but an assurance that He is working all things together for our ultimate good. This knowledge brings peace, even in the midst of adversity, as we trust that God is orchestrating a future filled with hope.

The story of Joseph, who faced betrayal and imprisonment yet ultimately saw God's hand at work in his life, serves as a powerful example. Joseph's story in Genesis is a remarkable tale of faith, perseverance, and God's sovereignty. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt through a God-given gift of interpretation and wisdom. Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, he remained faithful and trusted in God's plan. Ultimately, Joseph became the second-in-command to Pharaoh and saved his family and the nation of Israel during the famine. His life demonstrates how faith, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereignty can lead us through even the darkest of times and bring us to a place of great blessing and purpose.

In the New Testament, Romans 8:28 echoes the same sentiment, reassuring us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

In my own life, I recall a time of struggle when I, like Jeremiah, questioned the path before me. In hindsight, that season of refinement shaped me into a vessel more aligned with God's purposes. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Trust in the divine Artist who guides your life, shaping it with love and purpose. Embrace the assurance that your journey, with all its twists and turns, is leading you to a future and a hope that surpasses earthly understanding.

 

August 15 -- "True Prophets"

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 27 and 28 

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Today's verse invites us to distinguish between genuine and false prophets, a task just as vital today as it was in Jeremiah's time. False prophets typically promise peace, comfort, and prosperity without addressing sin and repentance. In our lives, we come across various voices claiming to offer solutions and assurances. It's crucial to examine these messages and these self-proclaimed prophets.

To navigate the sometimes-confusing landscape of prophets and messages, the Scriptures provide us with timeless principles to distinguish between false and true prophets.

Consistency with God's Word: True prophets align with the teachings of Scripture. The Bible serves as the ultimate standard. If a message contradicts God's revealed Word, it raises a red flag. Regularly studying the Scriptures equips believers to discern falsehood.

Fruits of the Message: Jesus taught that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). Similarly, true prophets produce godly outcomes. Look for messages that lead to righteousness, peace, repentance, and spiritual growth. Evaluate the impact of a prophet's words on individuals and communities over time.

Alignment with God's Character: False prophets often appeal to human desires, offering comfort without addressing sin. True prophets, however, reflect the character of God, balancing His love with holiness.

Prophetic Fulfillment: Does the message come to pass? Exercise caution while awaiting the fulfillment of a prophecy. Embrace a holistic approach, considering not only the accuracy of predictions but also the prophet's adherence to biblical truth and a Christ-centered message.

As we encounter prophetic messages, let's be vigilant, patiently awaiting their fulfillment while testing them against the enduring Word of God. Through prayer, scriptural study, and discernment, we navigate the complexities of evaluating prophetic voices, seeking to honor the Lord and uphold the integrity of His message in a world yearning for divine guidance.