Steps to “All is Well”

Jeremiah 22: ³ This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

⁴ For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. ⁵ But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

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I sometimes wonder why problems occur. I mean can’t I simply have a peaceful existence? Can’t I hide in my house, not engaging anyone with problems and just live?

• GOD wants me to actively meet people so I can “Do what is just and right.”
• GOD wants me to meet other people so I can “Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.”
• GOD wants me to seek other people so I can “Do what is right in the LORD’s eyes” by not being violent to the foreigners, fatherless or widows.

Hiding in my house and waiting to die is a travesty. GOD has bestowed on me gifts and talents that are HIS. HE wants me to use them on other people so that HE can draw people, who have rejected HIM, back to HIS saving graces.

Each and every day, GOD places another opportunity in my face to share HIS love. HE gives me twenty four more hours to seek others around me and to actively engage in what matters to HIM. It is up to me to make the most out of each day.

• Are you actively seeking to grow GOD’s kingdom?
• Do you want all to be well in your life?
• Can you use the next twenty four hours a little more wisely?

Help the Oppressed or Else

Jeremiah 21: ¹² This is what the Lord says to you, house of David:

“‘Administer justice every morning;
    rescue from the hand of the oppressor
    the one who has been robbed,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

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One person in need called me and I had to “evaluate” the validity of their need. I mean, did they think of “this” or “that?” I kept my money. I went to a convenience store and on my way in a person asked me for money because their car “broke down a couple of blocks away.” I said, let’s go see the car, they walked away. I kept my money. I went downtown and a myriad of people were asking for money on one street. I changed my route and kept “my” money.

• When the oppressed approached me, somehow I found a way to keep “my” money.
• When those in need were sent to me, somehow I found a way not to help them.
• When poor people were placed in my path, somehow I found a way to change my path.

Being rich meant I had to make the hard calls. I mean I had to pay for some expensive stuff right? Well sort of. Blindness to the poor is what got entire nations in trouble. It is easy to place blinders on, missing out on many opportunities to serve those around me. My justification for not going to serve was true in my mind. I was too busy at work, making money, so I could not give. I was too deep in debt, spending money, so I could not give. “That” person isn’t doing XYZ, so I cannot give, keeping money.

• GOD says to me “Administer justice every morning” meaning HE will give me an opportunity to serve someone each and every day.
• GOD says to me “Rescue from the hand of the oppressor” showing people the way back to HIM.
• GOD says to me “Rescue the one who has been robbed” blessing them with safe haven.

Now when GOD places a person in front of me I try my best. I see their oppression and I feel for them, because I too have been oppressed. I may not always have the money, but I always have GOD to give a person in abundance. The Good Samaritan helped when no one else would, but sometimes I don’t even have the money to carry out this wonderful example. GOD wants me to plea on other’s behalf in that instance.

GOD wants me to “seek the lost” because they run and hide when trouble hits. I know, I felt like hiding many times. Blessings only come from GOD. I should never squander what has been bestowed on me.

• Are you avoiding serving people?
• Are you too busy to help someone?
• Can you take a moment to ask GOD who he want you to serve today?
• Will you stop avoiding people and seek them out in order to bring them closer to GOD?

I Just Have to Shout

Jeremiah 20: ⁹ But if I say, “I will not mention his word
    or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
    a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
    indeed, I cannot.

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In a selfish rant I said “I will not serve YOU” and I walked away from the church for years. I mean my life didn’t seem any better than those who were not serving GOD. I figured I could sin as much as I wanted and be better off, but something kept me from going away.

• There were times I wanted to walk away from GOD.
• There were times I wanted to leave GOD and try life “on my own.”
• There were times I wanted to get away from GOD and all of HIS rules and just be as free as I wanted to be.

Freedom came with a price. Something inside of me said this was a terrible mistake and I should reconsider, but my heart was stubborn. I no longer had to be bored at church or listen to music that did not have a rhythmic beat. I could live off of my wits because people had said I was smart. When troubles hit, I stood my ground. Then they kept coming. Wait; is it too late to reconsider GOD?

• GOD is not a concept, HE is GOD.
• GOD’s word is not a set of rules that keep me from “fun” rather they are HIS declarations of what HE already put in motion.
• Serving GOD is quite optional and the more I do it, the more HE blesses me with HIS care and protection.

Many people have tried to leave GOD on their own terms, I know I did. They study ways of healing people and leave out GOD all together. I wanted to try and failed miserably. GOD welcomed me back and put HIS word in me. It lit me on fire and I cannot keep it inside of me. I absolutely have to tell someone about the GREAT NEWS ABOUT JESUS. HIS death took away my sins and HIS resurrection sealed my eternal life. I am so grateful I have to tell everyone!

• Do you hide your relationship with GOD?
• Are you scared to tell others about your belief in JESUS?
• Will you open your mouth and tell people about what GOD has done for you?

Harsh Message

Jeremiah 19: This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests ² and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you, ³ and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Listen! I am going to bring a disaster on this place that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. ⁴ For they have forsaken me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned incense in it to gods that neither they nor their ancestors nor the kings of Judah ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent.

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“Thou shalt not have any god before ME” are the words spoken by GOD that are seldom spoken today. I mean, I have to go to work and that is where I get “my” money, right? I may not have as much time for going to church and GOD forbid helping others. I also may have so much money that I have to protect it by placing it in shelters reducing tax liabilities. I mean, I have to save for retirement, right? I may not have as much money to give to others because “mine” is tied up.

• Many times I have placed something over GOD.
• Many times I have looked somewhere else for the answer instead of GOD.
• Many times I have been blind, thinking my bank account is what will save me rather than GOD.

Like the ancestors of old, I murmured in the desert while GOD was protecting me and teaching me. HE delivered me from the modern day “Egypt” and sent me on a quest to seek HIM. HE showed me that complaints were quite painful to HIM and HE does not have tolerance for them too long. I had to grow up and hear GOD.

• GOD said to me “I AM the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.”
• GOD said to me “I AM the gate, no one enters Heave but through ME.”
• GOD said to me “I AM the bread of life and I AM the light of the world.”

GOD clearly wants me to know that HE is the only provider. As humans attempt to rob, steal and kill me and those around me, GOD wants me to stand firm on HIS word, trusting and believing in HIS mighty power. HE does not want to hear a complaint about someone else from my lips, otherwise I am acting like the Accuser. GOD wants me to praise HIM no matter the circumstance. My worship should be to HIM.

• Are you worshipping your job?
• Do you worship your bank account, no matter how small it is?
• Are you devastated when you lose either?
• Can you allow GOD to have all that you have?
• Will you let GOD reign supreme in your life?

Being Shaped by the Potter

Jeremiah 18: This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” ³ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. ⁴ But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me. ⁶ He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel

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After zipping down the road I came to my exit ramp. As I stepped on the brakes I noticed the car was not slowing down as fast as I wanted it to. Wham! I hit the car in front of me. On another occasion I was driving down the road in the same car and hit a patch of ice. I slammed on the brakes and they did not slow the car down as fast as I wanted it to. Wham! I hit a pole.

• Life has some bumps and bruises that sometimes leaves me beat up..
• Life has some times when I ask “Why me?”
• Life has some situations that I do not like going through.

After a while I had to realize that I needed to slow down earlier so I would not run into another car. My immature driving had immature expectations, same with life. Sometimes I expect GOD to make everything absolutely perfect from my perspective and I expect HIM to do it in an instant. I mean HE is GOD isn’t HE? Can’t HE just snap HIS finger or say a word and all my problems go away? Yes, but…

• GOD takes me through situations to grow me.
• GOD takes me through circumstances to show me another area of my life that I need HIM.
• GOD takes me through problems to shape me into what HE wants me to be.

While I do not like going through trials, I thank GOD for them as James did in his letter. Trials are more memorable than bland instructor led lessons. I can remember the cut on my finger as I tested throwing bricks. The stitches cured me from brick throwing. GOD uses difficult times as well as great times to shape me.

HE fills me with HIS compassion when I see someone in need because I have been in need. HE helps me with the right words of comfort because I have been in need of comfort. GOD has the right to take things from me and give me plenty. GOD is my potter and I allow HIM to shape me as HE pleases.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Do you have a difficult time believing in HIS way?
• Can you stop fighting placing your trust in HIM and let HIM grow you?
• Will you get up from your circumstance and let GOD grow your strength?

Putting 5 Senses to Work

Jeremiah 17: ⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?

¹⁰ “I the Lord search the heart
    and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

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Chocolate cake piled as high as the centerpiece was the decadent dessert placed before us. It was very tasty. As the conversation flowed, we discussed a person. The “stuff” about that person was juicy. My eyes spied the car I really liked and I said to myself “One day.” The car looked shiny. A person walked past me who could have used two showers and I was repulsed. They were smelly. When I got outside I grimaced because I got wet and felt cold. It was rainy.

• My senses can trigger my thoughts.
• My senses can start me on a path of thinking that many not be the best.
• My senses can kick off a sequence of opinions that could lead me to a not so good place.

Each day I am faced with the use of the five senses I am given. When I use my senses selfishly, pride, greed, lust, malicious envy, gluttony, wrath and slothfulness creep in. If I look at the wrong thing or touch the right thing I am sent on a path that is not pleasing to GOD. Is there any help?

• GOD says to me “I the LORD search the heart and I can cleanse it of all unrighteousness.”
• GOD says to me “I examine the mind and I can hold all thoughts captive.”
• GOD says to me “I will reward you for your conduct, not your thoughts.”

Just because a bad thought pops in my head does not mean I have to act on it. Now I can see why Paul says “pray without ceasing.” In the moment I listen to the gossip, I should be praying for the transmitter, myself and the person being spoken about who is not there. After the prayer, I can then excuse myself from the conversation.

Each time I use my senses for GOD I am rewarded. HE understands that I may sin, but HE is excited when I choose not to. As I mature in CHRIST I can make a choice to use my senses in ways that please HIM.

• Are you seeking pleasure?
• Do you think you “deserve” a break from being “good?”
• Can you hold a few more of your thoughts captive and ask GOD to have at least one more today?

Being Taught by the Best

Jeremiah 16: ¹⁹ Lord, my strength and my fortress,

    my refuge in time of distress,
to you the nations will come
    from the ends of the earth and say,
“Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods,
    worthless idols that did them no good.
²⁰ Do people make their own gods?
    Yes, but they are not gods!”

²¹ “Therefore I will teach them—
    this time I will teach them
    my power and might.
Then they will know
    that my name is the Lord.

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In all of my schooling, I ran into only a few people who taught me well. I mean they understood my learning style and catered towards it in a fashion where I comprehended the information thoroughly. I forgot more information from traditional methods and remembered more during experiential demonstrations.

• I seem to learn best when I go through something.
• I tend to learn my lesson when I experience the matter at hand.
• I need to apply the lesson in order for me to remember the lesson.

Life has some extremely difficult lessons and some wonderful lessons. The lows and highs bring me to a greater understanding that I need something more than my own wits. I need an instructor who understands me and the way I learn, but who?

• GOD says HE will be “My strength and my fortress.”
• GOD says HE will be “My refuge in time of distress.”
• GOD says HE will be “My teacher of HIS power and HIS might.”

Difficult times need a wonderful instructor. GOD has sustained me through many trials and has shown HIS might in time of distress. HIS strength is my fortress and I need not make my own god that cannot save me. GOD is the only one who holds my rescue, in HIM I place my thorough trust.

• Are you getting a difficult life lesson?
• Do you think you are at the end of your wits?
• Can you allow GOD to show you HIS might?
• Will you let HIM teach you HIS power and HIS might?

Flattering Words

Jeremiah 15: ¹⁹ Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
    but you must not turn to them.
²⁰ I will make you a wall to this people,
    a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
    but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
    to rescue and save you,”
declares the Lord.
²¹ “I will save you from the hands of the wicked
    and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”

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“Suck up” were the words spoken in one of my leadership classes. I was outraged when I heard this and quite insulted that using empty flattery would work. They wanted me to cater to egos larger than the buildings they were in. I tried it and it worked. I was “In the club.”

• There have been times where I have turned to the ways I did not want to turn to.
• There have been situations that I have used a fake smile in order to get ahead.
• There have been people I have catered to in order to gain their approval when I should have taken a firm stance against their ways.

Greedy, lustful, power-hungry egos require feeding and from what I gathered, I did not have to “become” that kind of person, just cater to it. What is the difference!? Each moment I spent with that crowd was a moment I could have spent with GOD.

• GOD wants me to repent so HE can restore men.
• GOD wants me to utter “worthy” words which means I have to talk about HIS wrath as well as HIS love.
• GOD wants me to stand firm on HIS ways even when it means I will not be as successful from a worldly point of view.

I sat in the car longer one day. I absolutely could not “leave myself” in the car and pretend to like, agree or cater to this group any longer. GOD was stirring my heart to listen to HIM more than reading between the lines of those who could care less about HIM. I had to seek GOD instead of seeking a title. HE humbled me and I appreciate HIS ways.

• Are you running after a group who could care less about GOD?
• Do you spend an enormous amount of time doing something that would not please GOD?
• Have you considered asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do” rather than asking HIM for help on what you “want” to do?
• Will you read about HIS ways and place HIS words on your lips?

Priority of Urgency

Jeremiah 13: ¹⁵ Hear and pay attention,
    do not be arrogant,
    for the Lord has spoken.
¹⁶ Give glory to the Lord your God
    before he brings the darkness,
before your feet stumble
    on the darkening hills.
You hope for light,
    but he will turn it to utter darkness
    and change it to deep gloom.

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Filled with fear, my mind went into action. “Run for the bus” was the only thought that came into my mind that I could really act on. The unsavory crowd may or may not have been following me, but I did not want to take any chances because I had snuck out the house to visit someone who lived in a very bad neighborhood.

• Fear makes me think urgently.
• Fear makes me prioritize what is important.
• Fear makes me focus on myself rather than on what is important.

Being totally in the wrong, how was I going to ask GOD for help? I mean I wasn’t supposed to be where I was and now I was in trouble. Fortunately GOD is not like humans. HE did not say to me, “See, that’s what you get for doing wrong!” rather HE opened HIS mighty arms and protected me all the way home.

• GOD desires that I turn to HIM out of trust.
• GOD wants me to look to HIM first before I make any decision.
• GOD wishes that I give HIM glory before my feet stumble on the darkening hills.

Every decision I make should be placed before GOD. As I get older, I realize that I am not as “smart” or “wise” as I once thought of myself. My confidence in myself is low but my trust in GOD has grown. HE has brought me through many storms and HE is faithful to continue. GOD’s grace is truly sufficient.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think your decisions are good?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do or have?
• Will you allow HIM to provide the right answers for you?

Replanting the Uprooted

Jeremiah 12: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord says: “As for all my wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance I gave my people Israel, I will uproot them from their lands and I will uproot the people of Judah from among them. ¹⁵ But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country.

¹⁶ And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people. ¹⁷ But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it,” declares the Lord.

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After waking up from a long journey of life, I wanted a breather. It seemed like GOD had allowed calamity to fall on me, meanwhile those who could care less about HIM seemed to have an easy life. “Hey GOD… What about me? I thought.”

• Problems sometimes have a way of making me complain about GOD’s methods.
• Difficulties sometimes have a way of making me question GOD’s love towards me.
• Trials sometimes have a way of making me look at GOD as if HE were the problem.

Like many others, Jeremiah complained to GOD. I did as well. It just seemed like GOD allows the wicked to do what they wanted and I could not even take a paper clip from a large corporation without feeling wrath. What’s with that?

• GOD said to me “I loved you so much that I died specifically for you.”
• GOD said to me “I have compassion for you because you believed in MY death and resurrection.”
• GOD said to me “I know life seems difficult but I have gone to make a better place for you, meanwhile I have sent the COMFORTER who will be with you each and every minute.”

Things are never as they seem. While sometimes life looks difficult, GOD is there feeling the pain more than I do. HE goes through each problem with me and absorbs the difficulty at the same time. HE is not distant rather very active in my life. HE cares and knows HIS way is truly the best for me. I thank GOD for showing me compassion.

• Do you feel sorry for yourself?
• Do you think you deserve better from GOD?
• Can you stop comparing your life to others and rejoice about your relationship with HIM?
• Will you grow more today by thanking GOD for what HE “is” doing?

Bargaining for the Right Terms

Jeremiah 11: ³ Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant— ⁴ the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.’ I said, ‘Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. ⁵ Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey’—the land you possess today.”

I answered, “Amen, Lord.”

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Negotiating had become a skill. As a contract was placed in front of me, I could quickly assess where the terms and conditions could change or be removed completely. In a shrewd way I gained popularity. When problems hit, I turned this perceptive methodology on GOD. “Didn’t I serve YOU once ten years ago? Remember?”

• There have been times when I tried to bargain for my terms with GOD.
• There have been times that I told GOD how much “I” was doing for HIM.
• There have been times I tried to negotiate with GOD, impress GOD or flatter HIM into looking over my sinful ways.

“Maybe GOD won’t see the sin I’m doing if I do stuff for HIM” was my attitude that I fooled myself into believing. GOD wasn’t buying it. HE wanted me to be naked in front of HIM and others.

• GOD wants me to stop bargaining for myself and accept HIS path for me.
• GOD wants me to stop scheming to get “my” way and learn to settle down and accept HIS way.
• GOD wants me to stop complaining about where HE has me and praise HIM for what HE “is” doing for me.

Obedience seems like such a harsh word when I am pulling away. I mean why should I “obey” when I am not getting “my” way?  GOD gently tells me that I will get my way when I align it to “HIS way.” When I stop doing the evil in my heart and follow HIM, HE gives me all “the things” I need and desire. HE tells me I am already in the land of milk and honey so I should be a good steward of it while I can. I answered “Amen LORD.”

• Are you bargaining with GOD?
• Have you told GOD how “good” you have been?
• Can you stop trying to manipulate HIM and serve HIM with all your heart? 

But GOD

Jeremiah 10: ¹⁰ But the Lord is the true God;
    he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
    the nations cannot endure his wrath.

¹¹ “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’”

¹² But God made the earth by his power;
    he founded the world by his wisdom
    and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
¹³ When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
    he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
    and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

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Opening up a fortune cookie, I eagerly awaited the futuristic message. Disappointed by the vague contents, I shunned their predictive qualities. I turned to the newspaper where I would, on occasion, read my horoscope. Once it said “I would meet someone who traveled far.” I did! The person I met traveled all the way from 138th street. That was pretty far!

• There have been times in my life that I sought messages about my future.
• There have been times I wanted to know what would happen to me.
• There have been times when I sought any little message about what was going to happen next.

I have no idea why I was so curious about the future. I still am to this day. I love reading about what will happen next. The problem is, I was reading predictions made by those who have no idea about what will happen next. Vague empty words leave the masses guessing in their application. Some people make the words apply as if they had mystical qualities. But none of these match GOD.

• BUT the LORD is the true GOD; HE is the living GOD, the eternal King.
• BUT GOD made the earth by HIS power; HE founded the world by HIS wisdom.
• BUT GOD stretched out the heavens by HIS understanding.

No idol, trinket, bead, symbol or empty word can replace GOD. Anything made by human hands has no value when compared to GOD. HE is the only one who can make the earth tremble and the waters roar. No one can withstand HIS wrath, yet everyone is invited to HIS love. GOD’s immense power is peacefully controlled to love even me.

• What are you seeking as a sign?
• Do you put your trust in bank accounts, motivational speakers or some shrine you bow down to?
• Can you place your trust in the one living and true GOD today?

I Don’t Mean to Brag But…

Jeremiah 9: ²³ This is what the Lord says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

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After my meeting I asked “How do I get promoted.” “Manage upward” was the reply. “What does that mean?” I asked. “It’s a subtle way of telling your accomplishments without going overboard. Do this regularly and you will get ahead.” “Hmmm, I wonder if this would work everywhere.”

• There were times that I would brag about “my” accomplishments.
• There were times that I would speak about what “I” had done through “my” strength.
• There were times that I would talk about “my” wisdom so I could get ahead.

Boasting about my accomplishments in a subtle way worked. I moved up the ladder only to find the top floor filled with people who did the same. Egos ran rampant and after a while we were all “managing upwards” to ourselves, never once acknowledging GOD’s hand.

• GOD wants me to brag about the wonderful relationship I have with HIM.
• GOD wants me to boast about the LORD’s kindness.
• GOD wants me to show off HIS justice and righteousness everywhere I go.

Pointing my life towards me only yields temporary applause on earth. People will smile and give me accolades one day and move far away from me the next. GOD wants me to point my life towards HIS. HE delights when I bring more and more people to HIM and desires that I not be silent about my relationship with HIM. HE has shown me kindness beyond anything I could imagine. HE is a wonderful GOD!

• Are you trying to be in the spotlight?
• Do you feel it necessary to be recognized by everyone?
• Can you point your life towards GOD by giving HIM the credit for “your” accomplishments?
• Will you tell others about HIS kindness towards you?

Getting Comforted

Jeremiah 8: ¹⁸ You who are my Comforter in sorrow,
    my heart is faint within me.
¹⁹ Listen to the cry of my people
    from a land far away:
“Is the Lord not in Zion?
    Is her King no longer there?”

“Why have they aroused my anger with their images,
    with their worthless foreign idols?”

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After a while, “talking things out” did not work. I mean most of the time the words coming from my mouth ended up being complaints about this or that. The more I spoke about the problems, the larger the problems seemed to get.

• It seems like when I have problems, I want to talk about the problem.
• It seems like when I am in a trial, I want to tell other people about my trial.
• It seems like when I have difficulties, I want others to agree on how difficult it truly is.

Seeking comfort is a lifelong quest. I mean, when I am cold, I seek more clothing to warm me. When I am wet I seek dry shelter. When I feel low I seek comfort in my sorrow. The problem is, I may seek comfort in “my” way and if I do not get that comfort then I may pout. BUT GOD understands.

• GOD says to me “I know your sins and I (JESUS) died for all of them.”
• GOD says to me “I knew you before the creation of the world and I loved you before you were made.”
• GOD says to me “I (JESUS) AM alive and I AM building a place for you so I have sent the COMFORTER to be with you until I return.”

Seeking “comfort” my way may lead to sin. I mean the world offers so many shiny holes to fall into that I may be blinded by its allure. BUT GOD wants me to pay attention to the HOLY SPIRIT which leads me back to HIM. HE pry’s my hands open to the unrighteous acts I hold onto and comforts me in my loss. The HOLT SPIRIT pleads on my behalf each night when I sleep and guides me during the day. I know where to turn when I need comfort, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Do you need comfort?
• Are you full of sorrow?
• Can you stop twisting reality to “your” story and seek GOD’s way of comforting you?
• Will you stop talking about the problem and start seeking GOD as the solution? 

The Path to All is Well

Jeremiah 7: ²¹ “‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! ²² For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, ²³ but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. ²⁴ But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

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Rebellion was not pretty as I said the words, “I will not serve YOU.” I was not getting “my” way so why serve a GOD who seemed to just leave me on my own to fend for myself, meanwhile the rich and powerful filled their bellies on whatever they wanted.

• There have been times when I complained about GOD’s ways.
• There have been times when I looked at GOD and others as “the problem.”
• There have been times when I was so focused on “me” that I could not appreciate the right way.

Things started to go downhill quickly. I felt even more alone now that GOD wasn’t in the picture. Tired of being alone, I returned to church, not GOD. I figured that HE wanted a few dollars from me so I placed my five dollars in the plate and expected my problems to go away. More problems came. “See, this is why I left GOD in the first place” I thought. BUT GOD was gracious.

• GOD said to me “Obey ME and I will be your GOD and you will be MY people.”
• GOD said to me “Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.”
• GOD said to me “Give me your entire heart and I will mold it into something new.”

Giving up my heart was GOD’s expectation of me. HE wanted me to stop complaining, lusting after the things of Egypt or whining about perfect conditions being deplorable. HE wants me to see HIM no matter what situation is going on at the time. GOD’s road is filled with praise to HIM rather than complaints. GOD wants my heart, not half-hearted service.

• Are you serving GOD and mad at HIM?
• Are you trying to get your way instead of asking GOD for HIS way?
• Is your heart full of complaints?
• Can you turn your complaints into obedience for GOD? 

Ask for the Good Way

Jeremiah 6: ¹⁶ This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
    ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
    and you will find rest for your souls.
    But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

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Hanging out at the club my “friends” and I were discussing body parts. As I laughed at one joke something came over me. “Why is that funny?” the voice said. I had started going back to church at the time and wanted to teach Sunday school. I was at a crossroads. Do I continue down a lust-filled path?

• There are times when I am placed at the crossroads.
• There are times when I have to make a choice.
• There are times when I must choose my way or GOD’s way.

Sunday school seemed like the way to go, but it meant I would have to stop hanging with my “friends.” No more drunkenness, no more lust and no more foul language. “Man, this seems like I’m getting the short end on this one” I thought to myself.

• GOD says to me “Ask for the ancient paths and you will not be disappointed.”
• GOD says to me “Ask where the good way is and walk in it.”
• GOD says to me “I desire to give you rest. Follow MY ways and you will have peace.”

When I reject the Sunday school route, it seemed like things fell apart. Trouble came from all sides and I had to turn to the only place I could, namely GOD. After getting back on HIS path, I noticed a whole new world of people I had never seen before. I could serve and have fun. My blindness was lifted and I could finally see GOD by the people HE delivered to me.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Are your choices for you or for HIM?
• Can you take a look at the crossroads you are at and choose HIM?

Fear Can Be Useful

Jeremiah 5: ²¹ Hear this, you foolish and senseless people,
    who have eyes but do not see,
    who have ears but do not hear:
²² Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord.
    “Should you not tremble in my presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea,
    an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
    they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

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Watching a cartoon, I saw the main character trying to make a decision. When the character tried to do what is right, a cartoon caricature of a demon would pop on their shoulder and try to convince them otherwise. Then a cartoon caricature of an angel would pop on and try to convince them to do what is right. Life seems like that sometimes. Temptation looks wonderful and makes me think twice about doing what is right.

• Sometimes I am tempted.
• Sometimes I think of things that are not righteous.
• Sometimes I see the wrong thing and desire it over the right things.

Boring was my classification of those who walked the straight and narrow. They always seemed to have frowns and looked miserable, meanwhile other people looked like they were having “fun.”  Isn’t life about ”fun?”  What about “my” fun?

• GOD says to me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “Should you not fear ME?”
• GOD says to me “Should you not tremble in MY presence?”

Fearing GOD means choosing HIS way over my way. It means serving instead of stealing. It means praying instead of prying. GOD wants me to bless others instead of begging for myself.

• Are you engulfed in fear trying to save yourself?
• Do you fear your job more than GOD?
• Will you stop fearing earthly situations and place your fear in GOD?

Deeper Relationship

Jeremiah 4: ³ This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:

“Break up your unplowed ground
    and do not sow among thorns.
⁴ Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
    circumcise your hearts,
    you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

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After recovering from my immature tantrum, I asked GOD, “Why didn’t I get into the Junior Executive program during the first job I had out of college?” I went to church and the preacher mumbled stuff about being “sent” places. Sent? What about the places “I” want to go? I pouted.

• GOD says to me “The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it”
• GOD says to me “There is a way that seems right to a man.”
• GOD says to me “Human righteousness is like a dung pile.”

After I settled down I said to GOD “I will stay here” although I despised the town I was in at the time. Months later I received a job back in my home town. I could see the fruit of GOD on so many levels. HE sent me to a tiny church in the middle of the city. Many people professed CHRIST as their LORD. I see now, that was the right path.

• GOD wants me to “Circumcise my heart” by getting rid of the need to have “my” way.
• GOD wants me to “Break up my unplowed fertile ground leaving the thorns alone” by seeking HIS plan for a change.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE does have wrath but HIS love is far greater.

After growing up a bit, I realize that “my” life is not mine at all, it is GOD’s. HE can and should be able to do with my life, whatever pleases HIM. After a while, getting “my” way should line up with getting “GOD’s” way. When I seek the kingdom first, that’s exactly what GOD will give me, in abundance! My way may include fame and riches, GOD’s way will include more and more of HIS kingdom!

• Have you turned away from GOD?
• Do you think your plan is going to work without HIM?
• Will you stop trying to do things on your own and seek GOD’s wisdom?

Acknowledge is the First Step

Jeremiah 3: ¹² Go, proclaim this message toward the north:

“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘I will frown on you no longer,
for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘I will not be angry forever.
¹³ Only acknowledge your guilt—
    you have rebelled against the Lord your God,
you have scattered your favors to foreign gods
    under every spreading tree,
    and have not obeyed me,’”
declares the Lord.

¹⁴ “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. ¹⁵ Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

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Staring at the manual I felt lost. Barely making it out of school and having no guidance put me in a losing position. I had to acknowledge that I did not know what I was doing and needed help.

• There are times when I need help.
• There are times when I do not know what I am doing.
• There are times when I am walking down a path and have no idea where the path will lead.

After asking for help, my boss’s boss sent me to training. I absorbed all that I could and went back to the department soon to become one of the best. Grace was bestowed on me and I am thankful.

• GOD asks me to “Only acknowledge my guilt” so HE can provide help for me.
• GOD asks me to say how I rebelled against HIM so I can accept the strange way HE heals me.
• GOD asks me to admit going my own way so HE can put me on the right path.

Acknowledgement is difficult. It says to the higher authority, “I need your grace.” GOD freely gives grace, mercy and love. HE keeps HIS promise and accepts anyone who acknowledges HIS power. GOD welcomes me when I return to HIM.

• Are you busy trying to justify your actions?
• Are you tired of being stuck where you are?
• Will you acknowledge how you have turned from GOD today?
• Will you allow HIM to heal you in HIS strange way?