November 2 -- "New Every Morning"

Today's Reading: Lamentations 3 

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In times of hardship and struggle, it's all too simple to get bogged down by our problems, allowing fear and despair to take hold of our hearts. But, we are encouraged to shift our focus away from our circumstances and onto the character of God.

In Lamentations, chapter 3, we witness Jeremiah's powerful transformation as he redirects his attention from his dire situation to the Lord. Initially, Jeremiah paints a picture of his intense anguish and despair, describing himself as a man who has seen affliction and has been cast down, forgetting what happiness even looks like. His words are filled with the weight of his suffering.

However, in the midst of his despair, Jeremiah makes a critical decision: to shift his gaze towards the Lord. In verse 21, he declares, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope." Despite the darkness that surrounds him, Jeremiah consciously chooses to recall the character and promises of God. In verses 22 & 23 He remembers the Lord's faithfulness, His unwavering love, and His mercies that never run dry.

This turning point marks a profound shift in Jeremiah's outlook. Instead of being overwhelmed by his circumstances, he chooses to anchor his soul in the unchanging nature of God. As he meditates on the Lord's faithfulness, hope begins to stir within his heart. He realizes that even in the midst of suffering, God remains steadfast and true.

Jeremiah's change of perspective serves as a powerful reminder for us today. In times of hardship and struggle, it's all too easy to get bogged down by our problems, allowing fear and despair to take hold of our hearts. But, like Jeremiah, we are called to shift our focus away from our circumstances and onto the character of God.

When we take our eyes off our situation and onto the Lord, we find renewed strength and hope. We are reminded of His unfailing love, His faithfulness, and His promises that never fail. In the words of the hymn by Helen Howarth Lemmel (c 1922), “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

As you turn your eyes upon Jesus today, may the things of earth grow strangely dim, and the glory and grace of His face shine brightly upon you.

November 1 -- "Effective Fervent Prayer"

 Today's Reading: Lamentations 2

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When our hearts are right with God, our prayers can be a force to be reckoned with. This type of prayer rises from a heart that pours itself out before God, seeking His presence and power in life's darkest moments. Lamentations 2:19 reminds us that our deepest prayers should be urgent, persistent, heartfelt, and full of faith.

Here, the prophet Jeremiah urges Israel to cry out to the Lord in their time of suffering.  Their city had been devastated, and yet Jeremiah calls them to pour out their hearts like water in prayer. This "crying out" goes beyond casual prayer—it's fervent, desperate, and heartfelt. This was a call to intense, vocal supplication, especially as the people recognized their dependence on God during times of judgment.

When Jeremiah says to "cry out in the night," he's not talking about a little whisper or a casual request.  He’s talking about a FULL-THROTTLED, tear-soaked, gut-wrenching plea to the heavens. And then he mentions pouring out their hearts.  This isn't just about spilling our guts, it's about baring our souls to God.  Giving Him everything – the highs, the lows, the fears, and the hopes – without holding back or trying to control the outcome. Lifting their hands in prayer wasn’t just a physical gesture, it was a symbol of surrender, adoration, and dependence on God.  It was like saying, "Lord, I'm all in. I give you everything."

In our modern world, we too face situations that seem insurmountable.  Whether it's personal trials, relational challenges, or even societal pressures, God invites us to respond in the same way—by crying out in fervent prayer. Prayer is our lifeline, allowing us to connect intimately with the One who hears and answers. It's not about pretty words but a genuine cry for God’s intervention.

Examine your prayer life.  Are you engaging in surface-level prayers, or are you pressing in with passion and persistence? Make space in your daily routine to get on your knees and seek God with all your heart. Your prayers can become something powerful to reckon with, as we learn in James 5:16—"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

May the Lord stir within you a hunger for effective, fervent prayer. As you pour out your heart to Him like water, may His peace, provision, and presence flood your life.

October 31-- "The Lord is Right"

Today's Reading: Lamentations 1 

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Even when we've been disobedient and done things we shouldn't have, God remains fair and just in His ways. And as we come to grips with that, we can't help but feel the urge to say sorry and make things right with Him.

Today, we take a look into this amazing book called Lamentations, written by the wise prophet Jeremiah. It's a book all about mourning and sadness, and it was penned after the city of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple were destroyed by the invading armies of Babylon. But Jeremiah doesn't try to blame God or make excuses - instead, he admits that he and his people were wrong, and that God's actions were totally right.

Jeremiah recognizes the righteousness of God even in the face of his nation's rebellion. Rather than attempting to justify or explain himself or blame God for their troubles (as many of us are prone to do) he humbly admits that he, and his people, are wrong and that the Lord’s actions are completely right. There's an important lesson here—a recognition of God's justice even in times of personal or collective failure.

As we follow Christ, we all have moments when we have to face up to our own rebellious ways. It's a humbling thing to realize we've gone against God's Word, but that's also when we find the path to healing and renewal.

Remember the story of the prodigal son. He did some sinful things and went against his father's wishes, but when he came to his senses and decided to go back home, his father welcomed him with open arms! The same thing happens when we come clean about our rebellious ways and ask for God's forgiveness. His love for us never changes, and He's always ready to restore us and make us new again.

So, let's take a few moments to reflect on your own heart and life. Are there areas where you’ve gone against God's Word? If so, humble yourself, acknowledge His fairness, and seek His forgiveness. In His grace, He'll welcome you back with open arms.

October 30 -- "He Cast Them Out"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 52

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In our world, where sin and wrongdoing run rampant, we sometimes hear of God's "anger," a reminder of His divine justice and holiness. This anger is not a reckless outburst, but rather an expression of His perfect character and love. As we turn to the pages of Jeremiah 52, we see the weight of God's anger as He allows the remaining Jews to be deported to Babylon, "casting them out" from His presence.

It is important to understand that the “anger of the Lord” is entirely different from human anger. God's anger is not like the outbursts of frustration or irritation that we experience. Human anger tends to be emotional, reactive, and often rooted in selfishness, pride, or hurt feelings. But God’s anger is righteous, holy, and purposeful.

At its core, the anger of the Lord is His perfect response to sin and evil. God is not easily annoyed or wrathful in a petty sense, but rather He is utterly just and cannot tolerate sin because it harms His creation and violates His holiness. His anger is an expression of His justice, meant to correct and restore rather than merely punish. It’s motivated by love for His creation, desiring to bring about repentance, reconciliation, and healing.

Think of it like a surgeon who is "angry" at the cancer harming a patient. The anger isn't directed at the person but at the destructive force causing harm. God’s anger arises from His deep love for us, His deep repulsion by sin, and His desire to set things right.

When we grasp the depth of God's anger, we also come to realize the enormity of His love and grace through Jesus Christ. God’s anger poured out on Jesus wasn’t a moment of divine rage, but rather an act of love and justice that dealt with our sin once and for all. It resulted in our forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, peace with God, and the promise of eternal life. Jesus bore what we deserved so that we could receive what He deserved: the full acceptance and love of the Father.

Having received His gift of salvation by our faith in Him, we are now humbled and blessed by the words of Jesus in John 6:37—"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

October 29 -- "Courage in the Chaos"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 51:34-64

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In the midst of life's turbulent storms, we often find ourselves facing overwhelming circumstances that can stir up fear and anxiety. But remember, dear friends, that the Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Jeremiah 51:46 reminds us not to be fearful of the calamities around us, for the Lord is always with us, offering comfort and guidance.

In the story of Babylon, a symbol of power and pride, we see a mighty empire seemingly invincible. Yet, even in the face of this great power, Jeremiah predicted its downfall. Despite the turmoil and chaos this would bring, he offered a word of comfort to God's people living in captivity, encouraging them not to lose heart. Instead, they were to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and deliverance.

As followers of Christ, how do we respond to the news of calamity in our world? We can learn from Jesus, who said, "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:1,6) He also reminded us, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

While we may not be able to control external circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them. By anchoring our faith in God's steadfast love and sovereignty, we can find courage, peace, and hope even in the darkest of times. Trusting in His promises, we can navigate through life's storms with confidence and assurance, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

In times of uncertainty, let us intentionally fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As we meditate on His promises and draw near to Him in prayer, He grants us the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Instead of allowing fear to paralyze us, let us boldly trust in the Lord's unfailing love and strength to sustain us through every trial and tribulation.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May the love of the Lord, who never fails, be your anchor in times of storm and your beacon in the darkness. 

October 28 -- "Power. Wisdom. Understanding."

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 51:1-33

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Consider our universe, where the most powerful, wise, and understanding Being in existence created everything with love and precision. Today, let's dive into the profound words of Jeremiah that reveal the depths and breadth of God's majestic qualities. These words encourage us to marvel at His greatness, trust in His guidance, and seek His wisdom in every aspect of our lives.

Yahweh, the Divine Creator, used His boundless power to shape the earth. This power is beyond human understanding - it's the same energy that opened the Red Sea, collapsed the walls of Jericho, brought water from a rock, healed a blind man, multiplied bread & fish to feed 5,000+, opened prison doors, and raised Jesus from the dead. It's not brute force, but rather a divine energy that works harmoniously with His will and purpose, sustaining the universe and guiding individual lives.

Yahweh used His wisdom to establish the world. Wisdom goes beyond mere knowledge; it includes discernment, insight, and the ability to make right decisions. In creating and establishing the world, God demonstrated His wisdom in designing ecosystems, balancing nature, and orchestrating the intricate dance of life forms. His wisdom is evident in the laws of nature, the beauty of creation, and the complexity of human life.

By His understanding, Yahweh stretched out the heavens. The expansiveness of the heavens reflects the boundlessness of God's understanding. From the vast expanse of galaxies to the smallest particles, God's understanding encompasses all of creation. He knows the stars by name and holds the universe in the palm of His hand. His understanding extends beyond the physical realm into the depths of human hearts and minds.

Each phrase of Jeremiah 51:15 unveils a different aspect of God's character and attributes. Together, they paint a picture of a God who is not only powerful, wise, and understanding but also a God who is worthy of our trust, worship, and adoration. Let's embrace His sovereignty over all creation and find solace in His unfailing wisdom and care.

May the power of Yahweh, the wisdom of His ways, and the understanding of His heart be with you always.

October 27 -- "Negligent Shepherds – Wandering Flock"

 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 50

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There's a powerful message in Jeremiah 50 about sheep that have strayed because their shepherds have led them away from the truth and love of God. This verse reminds us that the consequences of poor leadership can be devastating and far-reaching, impacting an entire community.

When sheep are left without a shepherd, they're in a world of trouble. They become vulnerable to predators, wander aimlessly into danger, and struggle to find the nourishment and refreshment they need. They might even graze on unhealthy things or drink from contaminated sources, leading to sickness or even death. It's a perilous existence when you're without the guidance and care of a shepherd.

But this analogy goes beyond the physical world and into the spiritual realm. When people lack spiritual shepherds with godly guidance and leadership, they’re also in a precarious position. They might be tempted by false teachings, seduced by the world, or ensnared by the deceitfulness of sin. Like sheep without a shepherd, they might wander aimlessly, searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places but finding only emptiness and despair.

Jeremiah's words in verse 6 paint a stark picture of a nation that has been led astray, with individuals forsaking God's ways for their own desires and idols. It's a powerful reminder of the responsibility that leaders have to guide and protect their flock, and the severe consequences of spiritual negligence.

Today, we see this playing out in many areas of life – in our churches, our families, our schools, our government, and our communities. Leaders in various capacities – pastors, mentors, parents, teachers, and influencers – bear the weighty responsibility of guiding others in truth. And when they falter, their followers often follow suit, leading to spiritual confusion and moral decay.

This passage calls us to use discernment when choosing our spiritual guides and to pray fervently for our leaders to remain steadfast in the truth of God's word. As followers of Christ, we're called to seek out and follow leaders who exemplify the qualities of our “Good Shepherd” – leaders who lead with love, wisdom, truth, grace, and sacrifice.

If you are a “sheep” in God’s flock, make it a point to pray for your leaders to guide you towards the green pastures and still waters of God's goodness and grace. And if you’ve been called by God to be a “shepherd” of his flock, be mindful of the critical role you play as you convey the wisdom and truth of God to those under your care.