SISTER STUDY . . . Going Through the Bible in One Year
The Man of Lawlessness
2 THESSALONIANS 2:1-17
(October 14)
Paul introduces a new character to us (and the Thessalonians) in this portion of his letter. He is warning them not to be fearful or fooled by those who proclaim that the day of the Lord has already begun. He wants them to be on guard to not be fooled by anything they say, because the Lord will not return until the man of lawlessness comes and brings destruction.
Who is this man? All through history we have seen evil people at work, going against Christianity. These "antichrists" have lived through all the generations, and the generations to come will be no different.
Just before Christ's return, Satan will use this evil man of lawlessness, giving him his own power, to be THE antichrist. We cannot predict who that will be or when that will be. Paul brings this up so that the Thessalonians will be ready for any faith challenge they might face. We, too, should be prepared for this.
For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. (vs. 7)
So, the question arises ... WHO is holding him back? The Bible isn't clear on who is holding this man back. But it is clear that this restraint will not last forever. Do we need to fear this? Absolutely not! Our God has far more strength than this man of lawlessness. And we all know our God saves.
When he mentions the secret power of lawlessness already being at work, Paul is saying that the work this man will do is already happening. No one has discovered it yet, but God will reveal it. This "lawlessness" is the underlying force that is hidden, but which all sin comes from.
We think we know evil. We think that we have seen horrific things in this world. But none of these will compare to the man of lawlessness and what he stands for.
I know, I know ... not the most joyful topic to ponder. But it is a truth that we should all be aware of. Instead of feeling fear, we should feel gratitude because we know and are loved by the only one who can save us from this evil. We can stand firm in the faith and the gospel, knowing that God is our mighty fortress.
Infamous
October 14 Jeremiah 23:21-25:38
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
Infamous
Today’s object lesson is about figs… Good Figs and Bad Figs.
God gave Jeremiah a vision of two baskets of figs placed in front of the LORD'S Temple.
“One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat. Then the LORD said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?” Jeremiah replied, “Figs, some very good and some very bad, too rotten to eat.” (Jer. 24:1-3)
God then gave him the meaning of the vision. The good figs represent the exiles that He sent from Judah to the land of captivity under the Babylonians. God would watch over them and bring them back home again. He promised to build them up and not tear them down. (24:5-6)
You see, in the flesh, it looked like they had lost everything, but in the spirit, they were being saved through their captivity. They would one day return to the homeland to worship God.
As for the bad figs, they were too rotten to eat. They were good for nothing except for spoiling the other food around them. Here is what God revealed to Jeremiah. He said that He would make them an “OBJECT of HORROR” and a “SYMBOL OF EVIL”
He went on to explain to Jeremiah that they would be disgraced and mocked, taunted, and cursed. They would be SCATTERED, and WAR, FAMINE, and DISEASE would take them.
Have you noticed the SEVERE WARNING to false priests?
“Even the priests and prophets are ungodly, wicked men. I have seen their despicable acts right here in my own Temple, says the LORD. Therefore, the paths they take will become slippery. They will be chased through the dark, and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them at the time fixed for their punishment. I, the LORD, have spoken!”( Jer. 23: 11-12)
God, not only kept HIS word about “Rotten Figs” in the book of Jeremiah, but HE also has a ‘history’ of taking care of “Rotten Figs”.
Do you remember Eli and his two wicked sons who lived in the temple? If you remember the story, you know that both sons died, and “Exhorbatant Eli” fell backward off his STOOL, and that was the end of that wicked RULE! (I Sam. 4:12-22)
Note that Eli ruled as the priest in the temple for 40 long years. God had warned him, but he had not listened… and then the time of judgment came quickly and what was hidden became revealed.
Does God still deal with his spiritual leaders in the same way today?
One of the most scandalous stories in recent years involved a powerhouse televangelist couple who created a media empire, broadcasting network, and even a theme park.
This man's dream was to create “a Christian version of the Tonight Show”. He said, “It’s not listed in the Bible but my spiritual gift, my specific calling from God, is to be a television talk-show host.”
Together, with his wife, he got his dream and hosted a popular show which aired until 1987. They talked about current affairs and even hosted guests such as Ronald Reagan on the show. The problem was they didn’t just talk about current affairs, he lived that life also! In fact, he paid hush money to keep this fact hidden.
They preached “The Prosperity Gospel”.. Peace. Wealth. Financial and Material Success. Their TV audience tithed in the belief that they would receive the same blessings that they saw and heard flaunted from the wealthy hosts. People sent money for blessings…
Then “the house came crashing down”... The prophet, TV host, and prosperity preacher was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison (reduced to eight years) for eight counts of mail fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy. The couple divorced…
You see, the world may be blinded and not see the wrong road that they are being led down, but God always sees. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, and He brings righteous judgment…
"I see everything they do. Nothing is hidden from me; their sins do not escape my sight… For I am watching all their ways; they are not hidden from my sight! (Jeremiah 16:17)
The same warning is repeated in the New Testament in the book of Luke and Matthew, “So, do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known.” (Mt. 10:26)
The message of Jeremiah is still true, “There is a difference between STRAW and GRAIN!”
Today’s object lesson that demands obedience is to remember the “Bad Figs” and the “Good Figs”.
If you search for information about this televangelist, the first words that come up are, “Convicted Fraudster”.
In seeking to be “Famous”, Jimmy Bakker became “Infamous”!
Sadly, he’s not the first, and he won’t be the last. Just ask Jeremiah and Jerusalem…
“I will make you an object of ridicule; your name will be INFAMOUS throughout the ages.” (23:40)
Persecution
2 THESSALONIANS 1: 1-12
(October 13)
Paul felt the need to write this second letter to the people of the church of Thessalonica less than a year after he wrote the first letter to them. He heard how they had responded to his first letter to them. He was pleased that they continued to grow in faith.
But there was the problem of the false teachings that were spreading quickly about Christ returning. People were quitting their jobs and waiting for the world to end. Paul wrote this second letter to correct any false teachings they may have heard about when Christ would return.
If you remember, when Paul visited Thessalonica, he had to leave quickly because he was being persecuted. The Jews and Gentiles were continuing to persecute those who had responded to Paul's message.
Because he had told them in the first letter that the return of Christ would bring them deliverance from persecution, and would cast judgement on those who persecuted them, they were in hopes of Christ returning soon to rescue them from what they were going through.
In this second letter, Paul explains that they, as believers, should learn how to persevere from their suffering through their faith in Christ. This should be the action they take while waiting for Christ's return.
He tells them of how the Lord will come, what will happen, who will receive judgement, who will receive freedom and eternal life with Christ. He offers them his prayers that they will continue to have the power to do all their faith calls them to do to honor the Lord.
Many people around our world today are facing serious persecution. They willingly walk into situations where they know they will have others come against them. They walk in with perseverance and faith in Christ.
They, however, are not the only ones who face persecution. It is everywhere, on every different level. It is thrown in our faces through social media, through walking the streets of a city, or even by reading a newspaper.
We ALL must show perseverance and we ALL must strengthen our faith if we are to stand strong until the return of Christ. Paul's words of so long ago apply to strongly to our lives today.
Persecution may be the problem, but life with Christ is the prize.
Straw & Grain
October 13 Jeremiah 22:1-23:28
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
Straw & Grain
“Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between STRAW and GRAIN.” (Jeremiah 23:28)
Today’s reading is filled with “object lesson” or “visuals” if you will.
If you grew up on a farm or ranch perhaps you know the difference between STRAW and GRAIN…
The essential difference between STRAW and GRAIN is LIFE!
GRAIN is ALIVE and full of nutrients that nourish the body.
STRAW is an empty pod used for bedding or kindling for fire. It might keep an animal comfortable, but it won’t sustain life.
Why was there no hope of redemption for God’s people except to send them into exile to humble them in hopes of restoring their spiritual life?
Basically, they were physically alive and spiritually dead!
There was no other escape for them because most of the PROPHETS who were supposed to lead them were spiritually dead, evil, hypocrites, and leading the people NOWHERE except into separation from God.
What are some of the descriptions of these false prophets?
They said, “Peace, Peace.”, but there was no PEACE. They were Inventors of truth, not true apostles, liars about God’s Ways and Words, Disguised themselves to have a “form of godliness”, condoners and promoters of IDOL worship rather than GOD.
They were not fairminded, just, or righteous. (22:3)
There is a verse that keeps coming up in the book of Jeremiah, “Stop murdering the innocent”. They were murderers!
Who were they killing and why was there no punishment?
“The kings of Judah built high places for the god Baal. They used those places to burn their sons in the fire. They burned their sons as burnt offerings to Baal, which I commanded not… (19:5)
“And they built the high places of Baal… to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech…” (32: 35)
They were so depraved that they sacrificed their own children!
Let me ask you a question, “If we do not call 'LIFE’ a ‘LIFE” is it still a “LIFE” to God?
“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”(Ps. 139: 13-16 NIV)
They called it “CHOICE” God called it “MURDER”. They called it "WORSHIP". God called it WICKED!
They “PROSTRATED THEMSELVES” before the IDOL of intellect, Baal. God PROSTRATED THEM” by delivering them to the god they served and now they were that god’s evil slaves.
Life’s CHOICES bring Destiny’s CONSEQUENCES.
They followed their leaders right off the cliff…Perhaps we may think that this passage in the Old Testament doesn’t really apply to us today because we have Jesus. Let’s look at this passage through New Testament eyes.
The religious “prophets” of that day basically did what was socially and politically correct. They preached to “itching ears”.
Listen to what the apostle Paul had to say about false prophets, “Those men are not true apostles. They are false apostles who lie about their work and disguise themselves to look like real apostles of Christ. Well, no wonder! Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light! So, it is no great thing if his servants disguise themselves to look like servants of righteousness. In the end, they will get exactly what their actions deserve.” ( I Cor. 11: 13-15)
Buyers Beware!!! Do you know the difference between STRAW & GRAIN?
One has LIFE in it, and one does NOT!
Children of teh Light
1 THESSALONIANS 5:4-28
(October 12)
Paul calls the recipients of this letter "children of the light and of the day." What exactly does he mean by this? Paul has lots to say about how children of the light should live.
"Be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded." (vs.6) Nighttime was a time for sinful actions like drunkenness and immorality. He urged them to let their armor of faith protect them from those sins.
"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (vs. 11) It was an encouragement for them to know that Christ died for them, and he would return to bring them to live with him forever.
"Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work." (vs. 12) Paul wanted them to recognize the guidance the leaders gave them, and that they should be loved and respected because of the great work they put into leading them.
"Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy." (vs. 14) Continued encouragement towards those who were struggling was necessary to keep them moving forward in their faith. This encouragement also applied to those who were timid and weak. Patience was required for everyone.
"See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people." (vs. 15) This was a "turn the other cheek" type of suggestion to the Thessalonians. Paul didn't want them to try to even the score when a wrong was committed against them.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances." (vs. 17-18) God's will was for them to stay in communication with him through prayer, with their hearts filled with joy and thanksgiving. Paul wanted them to understand they had much to be joyful and thankful for.
"Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said." (vs. 19-20) The best way to know the difference between what was good and what was evil was to let the Holy Spirit have rule over your heart and mind. Then you would hear prophecy in the right frame of mind, and you would be able to live in a Christ-like manner.
Are you staying alert? Encouraging others? Honoring your leaders? Warning those who are in danger of falling short? Doing good instead of evil? Joyful? Thankful? Praying continuously? Is the Holy Spirit leading you?
Yes, these same considerations hold true for us today. These are the things we should be practicing daily if we want to be imitators of Christ ... children of the light.
The Clay Jar
October 12 Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
The Clay Jar
“Sometimes God takes HIS time. One hundred and twenty years to prepare Noah for the flood. Eighty years to prepare Moses for his work. God called young David to be king but returned him to sheep pasture. He called Paul to be an apostle and then isolated him in Arabia for fourteen years. How long will God take with you? His history is redeemed, not in minutes, but in lifetimes.” (Max Lucado)
How long is this message of judgment going to take?
A conspiracy is based on a “covert organization” trying to accomplish a secret plan. The Sovereign God is the one revealing the plan to the people of Judah through his prophet, Jeremiah. It is not a secret; it’s just not popular.
Other prophets are saying, “Peace. Peace.”, but their message is NOT from God. It is just what they want to speak.
Jeremiah started out as a young man. God told him not to marry or have children in this desperate time. Before you know it, he is a man burying a “loincloth” and wearing something that stinks to “high heaven”... the smell of destruction is about to blow in God’s people’s directions. But, they are not smelling or responding.
Not only that, they are plotting against Jeremiah. They don’t want to hear what he has to say at all. Perhaps “that ship hasn’t sailed just yet as in the days of Noah”. Very soon they will lose their homeland and all that is dear to them.
But, for now, they think that if they can just silence Jeremiah all their problems will go away.
In fact, the priest in charge of the Temple (Did you get that?) heard what Jeremiah was doing and had him arrested, whipped, and put in stocks at the Benjamin Gate of the Lord’s Temple. (20:1-2)
Does this remind you of what they did to the greatest prophet that ever lived, Jesus Christ?
It was the PRIESTS and PHARISEES who “sold Jesus out”... They had done the very same thing to Jeremiah.
We would be remiss to not notice how over and over in the OT, God gives us a glimpse of what will happen to his very own son!
Perhaps, you wonder why God “keeps silent” (so to speak). Why doesn’t he just go ahead and “light these bad people up” and rescue poor Jeremiah?
Well, that is the point. God’s own son will willingly step into the place of prophet, priest, and king and there will be no rescue for him… None. Even though the FATHER has the power to do so!
Instead, He will RESCUE US… God’s wicked, wayward people.
Hard to grasp isn’t it?
This story is filled with another object lesson that demands obedience, “The Clay Jar”.
In Jeremiah 18:1, Jeremiah is asked to, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” (That’s a field trip ready for a significant object lesson.) The Lord’s message to Israel was what The Potter could say to his creation because He made it. He says, “As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” (18:6)
Jeremiah did warn of this object lesson and their reply was, “Don’t waste your breath. We will CONTINUE to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.” (18:12)
Here is what they said about Jeremiah, “Come on, let’s plot a way to stop Jeremiah. We have plenty of priests and wise men and prophets. We don’t need him to teach the word and give us advice and prophecies. Let’s spread rumors about him and ignore what he says.” (18:18)
So, after this God returns to HIS OBJECT LESSON. He is a God “ON MESSAGE”.
He tells Jeremiah to, “Go and buy a clay jar.”
So, Jeremiah did just that and smashed the pot as God had asked him to do.
Why? God is the potter and we are the clay, and marred clay is not perfect in the Potter’s hand.
This very story of “The Clay Jar” proceeded Jeremiah’s arrest, whipping, and being placed in stocks! The priests had a “Hissy Fit” that God was calling them “Marred Clay” and that He was sending a message that he could and would send them into EXILE.
There is an old terror movie that I saw at a movie theatre when I was young and too dumb to know better. There was an intruder coming to terrorize the household and they were scared to death. (Me too!) They kept calling them on the phone to make threats.
The climax of the movie was when they said, “The phone call is coming from WITHIN the house!!!”
That’s when my popcorn flew in the air! That message is every babysitter’s worst nightmare! The stalker is INSIDE!
Guess what message Jeremiah gave to the priest who had turned against him and God?
He said, “Pashhur, the LORD has changed your name. From now you will be called “The Man Who Lives in Terror.”
You see, tragically, “THE PHONE CALL” was coming from within THE HOUSE OF GOD… And now it is time for a big HOUSE CLEANING!
Today’s object lesson is that He is still the POTTER and we are the CLAY, and He is in charge of HIS HOUSE!
The Promise
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1 - 5:3
(October 11)
When my kids do something that I think is awesome ... like keeping their grades up, showing manners and respect, doing chores without being asked, ... I always try to praise them in the hopes of encouraging them to "keep it up". I want them to know I see their efforts, I appreciate them, and to continue on the same course would be a good thing.
Encouraging words go a long way in motivating others. Paul was so good at being an encourager. He speaks to these new believers with kindness and uplifting words, wanting to spur them to continue to live lives that are pleasing to God, and warning them to be aware of the things (like sexual sin) that will pull them back into sinful ways.
These people have a question that they have been pondering ... what happens to those who have already died when Christ returns?
Paul expresses to them that death is not the end of the journey, and that those who have passed on will still be able to live eternally with Christ, reuniting with those who were still alive.
Paul wanted them to find comfort and encouragement when a loved one passed, knowing they would be reunited with them again in Heaven. According to Paul, when Christ chose to return, he would first lift up all those who were "sleeping" and then those who were still alive. Together they would rise to Heaven, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or sin.
Of course, this brought the next question ... When will this happen? Inquiring minds wanted to know. My inquiring mind would love to know. However, not one of us get that inside scoop. As Paul stated, he will come "like a thief in the night", at a time that only he knows.
I get this image of Jesus sneaking in the window in the middle of the night and whispering, "Get up girl. Tonight is the night. There are some special people waiting for you at my house and they are ready to give you a big hug! Don't worry ... I've got you. No, you don't need shoes or a jacket. I am all you need. This is going to be the best day of your life!"
Or something like that ...
My vision might be a little off, but I know it will be beautiful. I know that all the anxiety, fear, anger, and any other negative emotion that has plagued me will be stripped away and there will be nothing but joy, love and peace. I know that because Jesus says so. And THAT is THE PROMISE of all promises!
Conspiracy Theorists
October 11 Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
Conspiracy Theorists
“Noah was a conspiracy theorist… Then it started to RAIN!”
--Author Unknown
Imagine the people in Noah’s day enjoying their comfortable, immoral, Godless lifestyles… until the door closed, the boat sailed, and there was NO MORE TIME!
The New Testament compares the days of Noah with The End Times. “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24: 37)
Genesis 6 describes “the days of Noah” for us, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Vs. 5,6)
Genesis 6: 11-12 goes on to tell us the hallmarks of this violent society, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.”
Corruption. Violence. Evil. Godlessness.
Do these words sound like the news, politics, and Hollywood’s direction to anyone?
According to the Pew Research Center, 41 percent of Americans believe that Jesus Christ will Return in the next forty years.
(2016 Issue)
Do, you think the numbers have gone up in recent years?
Wars, Immorality, Disease, Famine, Persecution, Loss of freedoms, and the removal of God from everything…Those are the wake-up signs of childbirth.
“As in the days of Noah”... You see, God isn’t going to be patient with evil forever. He is not only merciful, He is just, but justice demands judgment!
“Jeremiah was a bullfrog. Was a good friend of mine. I never understood a single word he said, but I helped him a-drink his wine, and he always had some mighty fine wine.”
(Three Dog Night) Catchy little tune, isn’t it?
Our Jeremiah sounded like a “Bullfrog”. He was always croaking and the people certainly didn’t like or want to understand a SINGLE WORD he was saying. God didn’t allow him to drink, party, or have a family. So, the only wine they got out of him was “WHINE”... The people closed their ears, eyes, hearts… and even worse!
Jeremiah was basically a “Tattletale”. He reminds me of Joseph and the coat of many colors. His brothers couldn’t grasp that perhaps God had shared something with him and not them. God forbid that the little brother would be “IN THE KNOW”.
Well, Jeremiah was definitely “In the KNOW” and NOOOOO BODY liked that!
When God gets ready to bring judgment he always sends his prophets to speak his “UNWELCOME MESSAGE”.
Jeremiah was like that youngest tattletale, for sure! Listen to Jeremiah’s report from his “Daddy” “Sin runs RAMPANT in your land.”(17: 3)
God goes on to instruct that the people are NOT to be sacrificing their children to idols, making profits at the gates when people come to Temple and that they are to return to keeping the Sabbath…. OR ELSE!
Guess what the people picked… OR ELSE!
But for now, Jeremiah is the “Lone Ranger” and that is scary, frightening, and par for the course!
How many object lessons that demand obedience has God given his people by now?
Jeremiah is out there preaching, getting persecuted, and there are no converts!
I think we get upset with God over two issues. We don’t like judgment, and we don’t like extended evil without judgment. People complain about both sides of the coin. How fickle!
So, I just want us to return to God’s Word and see what it says about God’s timing...
“The Lord is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. He is PATIENT with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” (2 Peter 3:9)
When Noah started building that Arky-Arky, all the people saw was Barky-Barky. He kept building…THEN THE RAIN CAME DOWN!
Jeremiah is croaking-croaking but he’s not joking-joking. He kept preaching…THEN THE NATION CAME DOWN!
Corruption. Violence. Evil. Godlessness…Patience and Mercy Proceeds Judgment.
Jeremiah, like Noah, was considered a conspiracy theorist… And then CAPTIVITY CALLED…
The Reward
1 THESSALONIANS 2:9 - 3:13
(October 10)
There is something that is so encouraging about working hard and seeing the reward of your labor. It makes all the effort of the task worth it.
We work hard in our jobs, and we receive a promotion. We work hard in school and get our names listed on the Honor Roll. Great effort in parenting brings the reward of respectful children (we hope!). Putting time into friendships strengthens them into something even more beautiful.
Yes ... it is definitely rewarding to see our hard work pay off. And that is exactly how Paul is feeling as he writes this portion of his letter to the Thessalonians.
He reminds them of how he and his fellow workers put great effort into their work while in Thessalonica so that they would not have to depend on the believers to support them. Everything they did was done with honesty and integrity, urging with all their might for the Good News to reach the minds and hearts of the people.
What joy they found in knowing their efforts had paid off, and these people were now walking with Christ. How good they must have felt to know their words did not fall on deaf ears but penetrated their hearts and directed them to a new way of life.
Even when they faced persecution for their beliefs, the Thessalonians did not stumble. When the Jews opposed them, they stood strong. The Jews were fearful that they would be lumped together with the Christians in any reprisals that were leveled against them.
The Jewish leaders held to the belief that Jesus was a false prophet. They didn't want his teachings to reach any more ears for fear that more Jews would become Christians and thereby, the Jewish political position might not have as much power. These Jews considered themselves "God's chosen people" and had no desire to share that label with Gentiles.
Paul and his co-workers had such a blessed time with the Thessalonians that they tried time and again to return to them. According to Paul, "Satan prevented us." Something evil prevented Paul from returning. It could have been a number of things ... opposition, illness, travel complications, or a direct attack by Satan. Whatever it was, Paul was certain that a very real Satan worked in some way to keep him from returning to them.
Think about it ... how many times have you been prevented from doing something you really wanted to do? Satan is as alive and active today as he was all those years ago. He will come against us at any and every opportunity. Only through the power of Christ can we stand strong against him.
Paul finally sent Timothy to check on the Thessalonians because he had heard they were going through some troubles. He had warned them that trouble would come their way. Timothy was to check on them and see if they were still standing strong and not letting the enemy get the best of them.
How delighted and full of joy he was when Timothy returned with the news that the Thessalonians were still filled with faith, love and joy. This was a great encouragement to Paul as he went through trial after trial. His heart had joy and thanksgiving as he continued to keep them in prayer.
What a great reward that must have been to Paul, a person who suffered so much disappointment, pain, and discouragement. To see the effort he put into the Thessalonians had not been wasted time surely filled his heart with gladness.
What should we learn from today's scriptures? My takeaway is that the things that are difficult in life are worth it if they make a difference for the Kingdom of God. It is not always easy to share the gospel, but it is so rewarding to know you helped change a life for the better. We should never stop striving, never stop standing against the enemy, always seeking strength from Christ to share the Good News and grow the kingdom.
Our reward? How does an eternal life with Jesus sound? I'll take that prize any day!
The Terrible Trio
October 10 Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
The Terrible Trio
War, Famine, Disease… These are the Terrible Trio!
Why in the world would a loving God permit such devastation to HIS own creation? That is the big question, isn’t it?
We dealt with Job’s suffering at the hand of Satan, and now we are looking at the devastation of the nation of Judah through the eyes of Jeremiah. All of his object lessons demand obedience, but there is no obedience happening.
Isn’t there another way for a HOLY GOD to deal with HIS UNHOLY PEOPLE?
“Calamity, war, famine, plague, death, adversity, disease, injury do not necessarily produce repentance. We may become better in a calamity but it does not necessarily make us repent. The essence of repentance is that we cannot be repentant until we confront our own self-righteousness with God’s righteousness.” (Fulton J. Sheen American Theologian & Bishop)
Perhaps you may remember my illustration from the devotional a couple of days back talking about the people seeking false cisterns vs, the living water. I talked about struggling with dehydration because I don’t drink nearly enough water and I live in the desert where right now we have 112 degrees and the August humidity. It is excruciating!
This past weekend my issues reached a very bad peak. My heart was racing and I was really sick. I ended up in the ER and they took me right in… not because I am special but because my BP hit 215. (What can I say? I have always been an overachiever.) They started checking out my heart and giving me bags of IV fluids, blood work-ups… etc., etc.
It was a real “HIPAA DIPPA DOO-DAH DAY!”
Now, if you don’t know what I mean by that, let me give you the low-down. When you get there you must pretty much sign your life away. Then you get to the “HIPAA Rights” paper. You have the privacy of your name, address, medical condition, and picture…. Yada, yada, yada!
Oh yes, you have privacy! Except for the wee fact that with overcrowding from the “Covid” there is not enough room for you to get a little cubicle. So, everyone is sitting in the hall with all of their tubes and bags hooked to them.
The woman next to me was puking under her blanket, and the man next to her was protesting the doctor's help. He had come in for one thing but they told him he had a kidney stone on top of heart failure and COPD. He was yelling at the doctor because he only came in for ONE THING… not a batch of problems. He didn’t sign up for that! The man next to us in cardiac failure was offered a transfer to a really good hospital for heart care out of our area, but he didn’t want to go. He just came in to talk about kidney stones.
As for me, my first EKG had them raising their eyebrows, but I thank God that changed and things started normalizing when I got lots of liquids. Yes, drinking water, exercising, and blood pressure medicine are all in my near future… TMI? I agree!
Receiving the truth that can save us can be difficult...
Our passage today tells us this, “Instead, I will devour them with war, famine, and disease…”(14:12) Ouch! Rough bedside manner!
God said those words about HIS own beloved people, and he told Jeremiah to quit praying for them. (14:1) Why?
“When they fast, I will pay no attention. When they present their burnt offerings and grain offerings to me, I will not accept them. Instead, I will devour them with war, famine, and disease.” (14:11-13)
God, himself, is bringing pain to his people. Let’s look at the reason behind this severe mercy.
“It is because your ancestors were unfaithful to me. They worshiped other gods and served them. They abandoned me and did not obey my word. And you are even worse than your ancestors! You stubbornly follow your own evil desires and refuse to listen to me… There you can worship idols day and night- and I will grant you no favors!” (16:13)
The people’s condition was EVEN WORSE than that of their ancestors! What were the prophets saying to them about their condition? Let’s go back in the passage and see…
Here is what Jeremiah tells God about the other prophets’ message, “Their prophets are telling them, All is well- no war or famine will come. The Lord will surely send you peace.” (14:13)
“These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts…” (14:13-14)
BUSTED! The prophets merely told the people what they wanted to hear and they continued their sinful diseased spiritual lives to the point of spiritual death!
So, you know what I learned while I was in the ER?
First, always take a set of earbuds in your purse so that you can plug them into your phone and block out all of the “HIPAA DIPPA DOO”.
Secondly, even very sick dying people don’t easily receive truth or help. They want to hear what they want to hear.
Thirdly, always take paper and a pen because you will get some GREAT stories there!!
You see, pain and suffering are a canvas for great humility, but the question is… Will it be a place of repentance and change?
The Terrible Trio of war, famine, and disease can “bring us to our knees”... but will we be praying and repenting while we are down there?
Full Assurance
1 THESSALONIANS 1:1 - 2:8
(October 9)
Paul writes this letter on behalf of himself, Paul, and Timothy. Shortly after arriving in Thessalonica, he was forced to move on to Berea, then to Athens, and finally to Corinth because his life was being threatened. It was from Corinth, on his second missionary journey, the Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians. It is one of the first and believed to possibly be THE first of his epistles.
Thessalonica was the largest city and the capital of Macedonia. Located eastwardly on the main Roman highway and had access to a great number of people. It was basically a Greek city, but there was also a strong Jewish community.
This city was allowed to rule itself without the usual restrictions Rome placed on cities. But because of the large population, you can imagine there were all sorts of religions and cultural influences that would challenge a new believer.
The new converts that this letter was intended for were former pagan idolators, "God-fearing" Greeks, and some Jews. Several of the "leading women" of Thessalonica had also become believers.
Paul had sent Timothy back to check on them as soon as he could, and Timothy returned to Paul with a great report that the new believers were standing firm in their faith and were united against the outside influences.
But they did have some "faith questions" for Paul, so Paul wrote this letter in hopes of answering their questions.
He speaks of how happy he is that they are remaining faithful, and that the Holy Spirit is alive within them. He tells them of all the great things he is hearing wherever he goes about how eager the Thessalonians are to share the Good News.
Paul reminds them of how much suffering he had been through before reaching them, but that God gave him the courage to share the Good News with them in spite of the opposition.
He then says, "So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery." What did he mean by that? This is his response to the Jewish leaders. They had been stirring up the crowds with accusations that Paul was seeking fame and fortune in sharing the gospel. By making this statement, he was letting these new believers know that he and Silas had suffered quite a bit for sharing the gospel. It was not for fame and fortune, but for the true and sincere purpose of growing the church.
Paul wants the Thessalonians to hold to the fact that he preaches to them out of pure love ... for God and for them. And they can have full assurance that his motives are pure, just as he has full assurance that they are united in spreading the gospel.
There is something so secure in having full assurance ... when you know something without a doubt, no questions ... just certainty. Our faith, the love of Christ, and the promise of salvation should be facts that we have full assurance in each and every day. We should stand firm in what we know, despite the enemies of the world coming against us. We can cling to this truth in moments of trouble and fear. Despite what comes our way in this life, we can have full assurance in a God who saves, and a God who protects those who call on his name.
The Complaint Department
October 9 Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
The Complaint Department
“I have been referred to the complaints department but no one has called me.”-The Sunday Times
That sounds about par for the course! By the way, is there such a thing as “The Complaints Department”?
Well, let me tell you how that really works… “Mam, can you please hold?” (Click) “Mam, I am transferring you to another number.” (Click) (Music playing in the background that is about a concerto in length). (Click. Click.)
"Oh, I am sorry but the warranty for the product does not cover the product. Please hold." (The phone flatlines!)
Speaking of the complaints department, Jeremiah is presently “on hold” as we join him today and he has some complaints of his own (as well as he should!). Let’s be nosy and listen in on the conversation. Shall we?
“Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So, let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?”... Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts.” (12: 1-2)
Have you ever voiced that very question/complaint?
Perhaps you remember what happened to Jeremiah at the end of our passage from yesterday. It was a rather large issue, as in his enemies were plotting to kill him.
I guess he didn’t read the stars or consult his astrologist to see what was happening. (That’s an inside joke from yesterday’s assassination story. If you haven’t read it you might want to reboot and check it out.)
Actually, The Lord, himself, told Jeremiah that his enemies were making plots against him and he said, “I was like a lamb being led to the slaughter. I had no idea that they were planning to kill me!” (11:19)
Now, you know why God told Jeremiah, “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress.” (11:14)
The time of grace and mercy has passed and now God’s people will be led into captivity for “an attitude change”. They will be free to seek their own destruction by being given over to the idolatrous nation that they emulate. But, as for God’s people, the remnant of the righteous will be led back home again...eventually.
Why? “God’s name is on their lips, (a swear word or in passing) but NOT in their hearts.
Perhaps, we could think of it this way, Jeremiah is still on hold with the “Complaint Department” but is now being transferred to the “Garments/ Apparel” division…
This is an object lesson that is going to raise a few eyebrows. (Kind of like Isaiah walking naked among the people). Remember the passage in the Bible that says, “They had beheld his glory?” Well, that passage was not about Isaiah or Jeremiah…
This is the object of “The Loincloth”.
In case I just lost you, let me tell you a little bit about this special garment. It was a single piece of cloth wrapped around the hips, typically worn by men in some hot countries as their ONLY garment. It is kind of like when a guy wears a towel wrapped around them when they leave the shower only sturdier. (We hope!)
Here is what Jeremiah is instructed to do by the Lord. He is to go and buy a loincloth and put it on, but not wash it. (He checked that off his list.) Next, he is to take the loincloth he is wearing and go to the Euphrates River and hide it there in the rocks. (Check). Now, he is to push “Pause”.
While we are “On Hold” waiting for the Complaint Department with Jeremiah, let me just take a moment to make a wee little comment here. Many years ago we went tubing in Arizona down a filthy river. We had a wonderful time but afterward we were to meet up with my family at a very nice upscale hotel and we had all of our “River Attire” with us. We brought it in to dry out. All I can say is that they probably had to fumigate our room when we left and none of my family wanted to come near our casa. It was lethal!
So, “A long time afterward” ( You see where this story is going don’t you?), The Lord told him to “go back to the Euphrates River and dig out the hole, but the loincloth was “rotting and falling apart”. The loincloth was GOOD FOR NOTHING!
Here’s the message that was being delivered, The people who were supposed to be God’s chosen people were like this loincloth-- good for nothing!
“As a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I created Judah and Israel to CLING TO ME, says the Lord. They were to be my people, my pride, my glory-an honor to my name. But they would not listen to me.” (12:8-11)
I have heard a few “stinky sermons” but this WALKING OBJECT LESSON WREAKED with WICKEDNESS!
This same message is being demonstrated daily for me right now at my house. Our freezer out in the garage had the door left a tiny bit open. I won’t mention any younger members of the household who participated in this fiasco. However, when I came home from work I saw liquid floating in the garage from the melting freezer and I smelled “The Smell”.
Oh MY!! Our dumpster smells like a pasture of cows or worse. The flies are having a field day!! We are the talk of the neighborhood. Seriously!! People walk by and stop and get this look on their faces. “What is that horrible smell like someone died here?”
(No comment. Call the Complaints Division. Wink.)
Here’s the thing, friends…You can’t bring “Rotten UNWILLING Garments” back to life.
“Listen and pay attention! Do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late.”
(13:15-16)
I am pretty sure that much of God’s creation of our generation may also be called, “Good For Nothing” …
And, once again God is the one being put on hold, “Complaint Department”? Anybody listening??
Love, Submission & Obedience
COLOSSIANS 3:18 - 4:18
(October 8 )
Paul gives instruction to families in this portion of his letter to the Colossians. He states that wives are to submit to their husbands as they would to the Lord. Husbands are to love their wives and treat them with gentle kindness. Children are to obey their parents. (Still waiting for perfection on this one at my house!). And he urges parents to not discourage their children.
This is all commonsense stuff we have heard time and time again. But apparently, the Colossians needed this reminder. How often do we need to be reminded to be loving and respectful to our spouse? Or patient and kind with our children? Nobody is perfect and we all need those reminders sometimes.
Paul goes on to mention slaves and how they should behave. Paul doesn't condone or condemn slavery but offers the explanation that Christ is bigger than any division between people and being a slave won't keep him from loving you. He advises them to work for their masters the same way they would work for God. His hope is that these masters treat their slaves fairly.
Paul mentions that Aristarchus sends his greetings from prison, and he asks them to make Mark feel welcome. Aristarchus was a Thessalonian who took the third mission trip with Paul and was with him when the riot took place in Ephesus. He then went with Paul to Greece and Rome. At the time of this letter, he was imprisoned with Paul.
Mark started out with Paul and Barnabas on that first missionary trip. For unknown reasons, he left halfway through the trip. Mark was a relative of Barnabas and ended up going on a journey with Barnabas because Paul refused to take him along again. Later he and Paul reconciled, and he went on to write the Gospel of Mark. At this particular time, Paul is expecting that Mark might make his way to the Colossians.
Paul continues with his list of all those who sent greetings to the Colossians, including Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. In turn, he asks that they give his greetings to the believers at Laodicea as well.
Paul wants to pass on these instructions to that church and other believers. He wants them to also be clear on how they should behave when it comes to love, submission, and obedience.
The rules apply to us today. We would do well to really ponder these letters written by Paul and the instructions they provide. Through them, we can get wisdom on how to please God with our actions.
The Signs and Times
October 8 Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
The Signs & Times
“Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them.” (Jer. 10:2)
The musical, “The Greatest Showman” has a powerful song that is sung between two lovers from different places and levels of life who want to be together against all odds. The song is called, “Rewrite the Stars” and here are a few of the lyrics, “No one can rewrite the stars. How can you say you’ll be mine? Everything keeps us apart. And I’m not the one you were meant to find. It’s not up to you, it’s not up to me when everyone tells us what we can be. How can we rewrite the stars?”
It’s a beautiful and powerful song, BUT… it’s based on ASTROLOGY!
Did you know that it was the Babylonians who developed astrology and horoscopes?
What does the Bible say about astrology? The short summary is that it is demonic and sinful.
Daniel 4:7 tells us that they sought magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune tellers but no one could tell them what the dream meant… That is until the Living God got involved. We are told it is, “The God of heaven who reveals secrets and made known to king Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in latter days”. ( 2: 27-28)
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 warned God’s chosen people that, “There shall not be found among your anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices DIVINATION or tells fortunes or interprets OMENS, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
Today’s passage begins with a BIG WARNING… God, himself hung the stars, moon, and planets and HIS people were to SEEK HIM ALONE for their future!
Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible commentator attributes a common saying to the Greeks, "He who sets himself up as another god ought first to make another world.”
Yet, God’s people were seeking “so-called gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth and all of this will vanish from the earth and from under the heavens.” (Jer. 10:11)
The worship of IDOLS and ASTROLOGICAL practices was about to “BRING THE HOUSE DOWN”! Literally and Figuratively…Jeremiah’s job was to tell them this VERY TRUTH!
How does this relate to us today?
President Ronald Reagan was one of my all-time favorite presidents with his humor, smile, and calming manner. He caused the nation to think the best of others and inspired us. He was from a Christian background with godly roots…
Just days after he was shot by the assassin on March 30, 1981, his wife Nancy got a call from a Hollywood friend who told her that the “star charts” drawn by a San Fransico astrologer had pinpointed that exact date as a dangerous day for her husband.
Her response was, “Oh my God, I could have stopped it.” Notice her words. She said “HIS NAME” but didn’t call on HIM…
She immediately called the famous astrologer, and the rest is now history.
From that day on, all white house schedules, public appearances, and plans were run through the hands of the astrologer. Not only did she seek astrological teaching but they say that her husband followed her lead and listened to her advice. Some writings say that he carried a “good luck charm” in his pocket after that time…
This seemingly godly man now followed the wisdom and advice of astrology rather than seeking God. I was so sad to see his last days ruled by Alzheimer's where he no longer recognized his beloved wife at all near the end. “The Stars” did not chart a good future…
Their love story is inspiring. Their love of astrology above the Sovereign God was tragic!
That lack of faith trickled down to their grown children as well.
He seemed so wise… but he quit teaching the truth and followed “A LIE”. Why??
Out of FEAR, she sought idols that really could not protect her beloved at all. He died a long painful death, and yet it was his death that she most feared!
Listen to this powerful message in today’s reading, “The shepherd of my people have LOST THEIR SENSES. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered.” (Jeremiah 10: 21)
Out of fear have we too “LOST OUR SENSES”?
Here is God’s admonition through Jeremiah, “If you obey me and do whatever I command you, then you will be my people, and I will be your God.” (11:4)
“The Signs and Times” belong to God alone and we are merely to TRUST and OBEY.
A New Home
COLOSSIANS 3:1-17
(October 7)
One of the greatest gifts ... greatest promises ... in our new lives as Christians is the promise of our eternal home in heaven. Our new home where there is no sin, no sorrow, no hate, no shame, only love.
That is where Paul suggests the Colossians keep their thoughts focused ... on that eternal home where they will share in the glory of God.
He tells them to clothe themselves with a lot of good stuff. But how do they do that? How do WE do that?
We start by being like Christ and having an attitude of forgiveness. We let love be the guide of our life and let the peace of Christ have rule over our hearts. We make every effort to be thankful, despite our circumstances, and be diligent about storing God's word in us at every opportunity. All we do should be done in the name of Jesus.
This sounds like a lot! But it can be done, and needs to be done, and should be done. The way we get ourselves clothed in all these virtues is by being bound together in love. Love is the key to holding all the rest of these together. Without love, we cannot possess these other virtues in their truest form.
How does the "peace of Christ" rule in our hearts? What does that mean? We are to let Christ be the "referee" of our hearts, because our hearts are the center of conflict. The heart is where our feelings and desires clash ... fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. The only way we can deal with these conflicts and live the way we are called to live is to allow Christ to referee and find the feelings that will promote peace in our hearts.
Another way we keep our thoughts fixed on our heavenly home is to teach and admonish "in songs and hymns and spiritual songs." Keep in mind, these early believers had access to the Old Testament, but not the New Testament. They didn't have bible study books, commentaries, or Bible dictionaries. They had to memorize the stories and teachings, and then pass them down to others.
Have you ever noticed that it is easier to memorize scripture when it is set to a song? They used music for many teachings, making it easier to memorize. Music became an important part of Christian worship and education. We use that same method today, starting when our children are small right on up to today's contemporary worship music. All of it is meant to teach and promote the gospel.
Paul reminds the Colossians, and we should be reminded as well, that any message we pass down should be about Christ. And whatever we do or say should represent the Lord, with thankfulness always in our hearts and on our tongues.
Wise Teachers
October 7 Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
Wise Teachers
Who would you consider some of the “Wisest Teachers” of our day?
What pastor would you consider has a successful ministry and what would our judgments of success be based on in this day and age?
Interesting questions to ponder aren’t they?
One author has written about Jeremiah, “He was not a mighty man like Elijah, eloquent as Isaiah, or seraphic as Ezekiel, but one who was timid and shrinking, conscious of his helplessness, yearning for a sympathy and love he was never to know--such was the chosen organ through which the Word of the Lord came to that corrupt and degenerate age.” (Notes by Dr. J. Vernon McGee)
Jeremiah did not have one single convert! Not one! Would you call this man successful?
How many churches do you know of that would keep this guy on staff as the lead pastor?
Today’s lesson is all about teaching and what God has to say about what is needed from HIS perspective.
“How can you say, ‘We are wise because we have the word of the Lord’. When your teachers have twisted it by writing lies? These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the Lord. Are they so wise after all? ( 8:8-9) “They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wounds. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions? Not at all--they don’t even know how to blush’!” (8:11-12)
Do you remember Jeremiah’s teaching in yesterday’s passage?
Jeremiah 7:8-10 is talking about the hypocrisy of the people who are called by God. They were USING God but NOT CHOOSING God. They wanted the Temple’s glory but not the sacrifice of living with God’s glory in their lives. He asks, “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense unto Baal and then have the audacity to come and stand before me in the Temple?
They wanted God’s BLESSINGS but did not follow HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS.
Maybe you are thinking, “Well, that doesn’t apply to me! I haven’t killed anyone and I don’t swear that often.” Interesting that “Swearing falsely is the same as gossip and Jesus rephrased “Killing someone with a heart condition of “less than love”.
Ah Ohhhhhh! Then, there is the “Baal situation”... Did you know that Baal was “the god of intellect”?
Do we find the time to expand our intellect with T.V., the internet, Facebook, science, and politics, but have very little to no daily time left over for the Word of God?
USING GOD is praying for God to meet my needs and wish lists, and CHOOSING God is submitting to meet God’s desires and then praying for HIS will to be done through me!
USING GOD is the easy American watered-down gospel version. “Go to sleep tonight and pass on the Facebook message and you will receive blessings”. Really folks? Is that how God works?
Do you see a lot of blessings coming Jeremiah’s way, and was he a success in man's eyes?
Why were these people not being blessed?
“The Lord replies, ‘This has happened because my people have abandoned my instructions; they have refused to obey what I said. Instead, they have stubbornly followed their own desires and worshiped the images of Baal, (the god of intellect) as their ancestors taught them.” (9:13-14)
God goes on to tell them that He will feed them bitterness and poison. They will reap what they have been sowing! How does all of this relate to us today?
It is interesting that Jesus “Cleansed the temple” and kicked out those that were USING Him, but He reached out to those who were CHOOSING HIM. He healed the lowly and the broken who were simply willing to come to Him.
So, I ask you again, do you think that Jeremiah was a successful prophet of God?
Isaiah wrote powerfully about the coming of Christ in words so powerful that they are quoted all throughout the Bible. Ezekiel was a mystical prophet who talked about vision such as a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
Jeremiah spent forty-two years preaching the word of God and not a single person responded. Why? They didn’t think they needed to respond. They preferred “business as usual”.
What kind of “Wise Teaching” is God looking for in our time?
What are your thoughts based on today’s passage?
(No names of contemporary leaders, please, just descriptions)
New Life
COLOSSIANS 2: 8-23
(October 6)
Have you ever been condemned because of your Christianity? Or had others mock you and tell you how foolish you are to believe such nonsense?
The world mocks Christians every day. The ideas and theories of how the earth was formed, how people came to be, where we go when we die ... it's everywhere.
Our challenge is to stay strong in the midst of the stories and lies. Our goal is not only to remain steadfast, but to be a shining light for the Truth.
Paul is warning the Colossians to beware of "empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of the world." It is not that he is against philosophy. Paul was a gifted philosopher. He is against any philosophy that gives off the idea that man can solve any of life's problems, instead of Christ being the problem-solver.
As Christians, we now have new life. Our old, dead life is gone and we alive in Christ. Our sins are forgiven. (Hallelujah!) Jesus paid it all on the cross, putting shame to all the spiritual rulers and authorities.
And he made it clear that only he was to be worshipped. Some were worshipping angels because the false teachers were telling them that God was too distant to approach, and they could only get to him through the angels. They believed they had to worship angels in or der to reach God. The Bible tells us that angels are servants of God and are not to be worshipped.
These false teachers had unspiritual minds. They desired attention from others and were obsessed with the physical realm. Paul warns the Colossians to not fall prey to their lies, not to worry about their rules, and not to let them convince them away from the truth.
Paul's warning is still valid today. So many try to convince those who believe that they are wrong ... gullible, foolish, easily swayed. But we who know Christ know the truth of God's word. We know that evil will come from every direction to tear us down. We also know that we can stand firm and strong in the strength of Jesus, and in the strength of our fellow believers.
We can do this because of the NEW LIFE we have in Christ.
Using or Choosing?
October 6 Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
USING OR CHOOSING
Do we “USE” or “CHOOSE” God?
Now, I know you are immediately thinking “Duh, of course, I CHOOSE GOD!” But, I would urge us to further examine our answer in light of today’s study. So, let’s take a closer look at the facts.
You are reading this passage on October 6 and I pray that it is a glorious fall filled with color and crisp cool air that fills your lungs and soul as you study this passage. But, I must confess that as I am actually writing this devotional, it is hotter than “HOORAH”! The high temperature this past week was 112 degrees with high humidity (which means it feels even hotter).
For me, it has been ‘teacher prep week’ which means carrying boxes, unloading, running errands, cleaning, and going places that are…. Hotter than “HOORAH”! (Oh, I want to go to Heaven and not the other place!) I went to Walmart and the air conditioning was down. Nada. Kapoop! The bathrooms at school ( No air to “Kapoop”!) The warehouse where I spent much time looking for science kits and loading them had NO AIR! Oh my, that again?
So, here’s the deal… I love, love, love my job and my school! However, if I could have chosen my calling it would never (and I mean ever) have been to the desert as close to the Mexican border as you can possibly imagine because it is “Kapoopy hot here!”
Do you know how you are supposed to drink water daily? For instance, the formula is to drink one-half of your body weight in liquids daily. Turns out that I drink an amount of what it would take to keep a small bee buzzing…Therefore I struggle with dehydration and vertigo. The combination of those two things is like feeling that you are having a heart attack, food poisoning, or are flying a spaceship for NASA… and now you know today’s word, “Kapoop!”
Basically, my problem is that air conditioning keeps my body afloat, green tea, oat milk lattes, swimming pools, and back again to air conditioning! You see? Sadly, my being is supported not by “water” but by “substitutions”. I have a difficult time drinking water and thus I am shopping for electrolyte packets to add to my water to help, basically because I want to LIVE!
Sadly, God's people were in the same condition spiritually as I just describe to you. They were living on "life support". They had all "externals or props" and no real, authentic substance within them. When the heat came, they fled to "higher ground" where they worshipped idols and drank "the poison" vs. "the living water".
God’s people were RELIGIOUS but NOT RIGHTEOUS.
They had OUTWARD MOTIONS but NOT INWARD MOTIONS!
Jeremiah was a prophet at the time when one of the greatest kings of Judah was reigning. His name was Josiah and he began to rule when he was eight. At sixteen years of age, he sought God with all of his heart and he went through the land tearing down all the idols the people had erected. He remodeled the temple and I guess you could say, “Business was BOOMING!”
Temple attendance was wayyyyyy up! Religion was POPULAR but it wasn’t PALPABLE.
The people had Actions but no Authenticity, Proximity but no Passion, and Duty but no Devotion. Josiah had the faith; they just “tagged along” for a while…
“The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, ‘Go to the entrance of the Lord’s Temple, and give this message to the people: ‘O Judah, listen to this message from the Lord! Listen to it, all of you who worship here! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Even now if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land. But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here’!” (7:1-4)
Do you see the problem?
They were CHANTING but NOT CHANGING!
I always wondered why God brought judgment right after King Josiah’s reign. He was such a “Nice boy” (Jewish voice here) and such a “Good boy” (Can you hear the Fiddler?).
The problem was that the people of Judah were building back the idols just as quickly as this righteous king took them down. They were so proud of their “Temple”. It was more like a TROPHY than a TRANSFORMATION in their lives.
They were drinking water from “false cisterns” and not from the “living water of God”.
Not only that, “See how the women knead dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. And they pour out liquid offerings to their other idol gods!... Most of all they hurt themselves, to their own shame.” (7:18,19)
The term “Queen of heaven” refers to the mother-child cult that originated in Babylon, and that is where their allegiance was placed. They were offering their own children as sacrifices!
Listen to what God tells Jeremiah, “Therefore pray NOT for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.” (7:16)
Preaching HASTENS judgment and Prayer PREVENTS judgment! God has given them every opportunity to turn around, and now it is righteous judgment time! Jeremiah was asked to “weep” not “rescue” and to “preach”, but not “pray”. That day has passed!
In Matthew 21: 14 we see that Jesus kicked out those who were “USING” HIM, but reached out to those who were “CHOOSING” Him. We can be “In the Temple” but not “Of the LORD”.
These are some pretty spiritually HOT days we are living in and the Bible warns us that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” (just like Temple Temple) will be counted as righteous. Being proud of “a building” is not the same as being obedient to “the Builder”!
Do we have enough of the actual “Living Water” directly from God to keep us afloat when days of judgment come our way?
How strong are you when the “PROPS” are removed?
Are we "USING GOD" OR "CHOOSING GOD"?
Deception
COLOSSIANS 1:18 - 2:7
(October 5)
Deception: it is everywhere. Someone is always trying to make us believe something that isn't true. It starts with perfect social media images that in no way depict the true nature of a family. It goes as far as politics, and the untruths we are expected to believe.
It is in our homes ... the little white lies the children tell you to keep out of trouble. Or in the workplace, when someone steals your idea on a big project.
Deception is all around us, and we really need to BEWARE! The same held true for the Colossians. The same thing is going on close by in the church of Laodicea. This city was just a few miles northwest of Colosse and believed to have been founded by one of Paul's converts. (I love how his converts continued on the legacy of spreading the Good News!)
It was a wealthier city with a lot of trade and commerce. These are the very people that Jesus would label "lukewarm" (stay tuned), and Paul wanted to be sure they got the letter passed on to them as well. Paul was hoping that bonding the churches would help them stand strong against heresy and that by encouraging one another, they could stand firm in the truth.
But words of deception are being spoken over these believers. Paul called them "well-crafted arguments." This heresy that was being spoken over these churches hoped to convince the new converts that important secret knowledge was hidden from them. Paul assured them that Christ provides all the knowledge we need.
This heresy also suggested that the body was evil. Paul's contradiction to that was that God himself lives in a body - he was embodied in Jesus.
But, according to the heresy, Christ only seemed to be human but was not really a human. Paul insisted that Jesus is fully human and fully God.
These ideas that went against Christianity sounded possible, even acceptable, to many. That is why it was so easy to confuse these new believers who hadn't spent enough time in Christian doctrine to know any better. This was a huge threat.
Paul is urging them to continue what they started ... following Jesus, letting their roots grow deep and their lives be built in him. This was the way to increase their faith and knowledge.
The same applies to us today. There are falsities out there that try to convince us that our faith is based on untruths. The Big Bang Theory, and other such ideas float around, grabbed onto by those who are seeking something to believe in.
But we don't have to grab hold of crazy theories or ideas. We have Jesus. We have the Word of God and the truth it holds. We have our faith, that grows daily as we seek him. We have our solid foundation, and a Holy Spirit that never leaves us.
We are well-equipped to stand up against DECEPTION.
Be Bery Careful
October 5 Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
Be Very Careful
Today’s passage is filled with object lessons based on familiar objects such as a vine, wild animals, silver, and 'Rock & Roll".
God’s choice vine, Judah, had become a wild vine…
“That’s the way, aha, aha, I like it, aha, aha. That’s the way, aha, aha, I like it, aha, aha.”
( Can you hear the song there or is it just me? Aha, aha… KC & The Sunshine Band)
Did the nation of Judah ask to be captured? Really?
Inadvertently, YES! (Or Aha, Aha… if you’re still feelin’ the vibe.)
Have you ever heard children say, “That’s not fair! I want to be like everybody else!”?
The nation of Judah had chosen to worship the idols of their pagan neighbors. Although they were God’s chosen people! They wanted to be like everyone else…
Today’s passage tells us why this nation faced judgment. Jeremiah 5:1-3 tells us that “every person was guilty”. Every person!
Remember when Abraham was looking for a righteous person in Sodom?
Well, Jeremiah could not find EVEN ONE!
Not only that, but they ALL refused correction and to repent. Their hearts were harder than “ROCK & ROLL”... They were a bunch of ROCKS who were ROLLING right into a disaster!
Three images of wild animals were used to describe their enemies who were coming to attack Judah and take them captive. They were “the lion”, “the wolf”, and “the leopard”.
God asked Judah two rhetorical questions. “Why should I pardon you”, and “Shall I not punish these people”? (v. 7)
He then uses the imagery of a “Lusty horse”.
It was like a ZOO! The animals were running WILD!
They behaved like wild animals and sadly the wild animal of a nation that they were trying to emulate was coming to answer their unspoken request.
"Do you want to be like us?", the enemy asks. Then, we will take you over and you will SERVE us!
Would you worship our gods? Then our gods will own you!
Truly, be careful what you WISH for!
They copied the nations around them and look what happened… Jeremiah warned against the foe coming from the north who would be cruel and show no mercy. (Hab. 1: 5-11)
Another analogy is used to describe Judah, ‘Rejected Silver”. They were found to be corrupt, and the refining efforts were useless. The wicked were not separated out. The smelting process is supposed to separate silver from lead. But, they didn’t “get the lead out”. They were rejected silver, and so the Lord rejected them. (6: 27-30)
Here is my question today for us. What things have we latched onto in the name of “Freedom and individuality” that are just making us “copies” of someone else’s bondage?
What actions are we choosing as “ freedom” that are really going to deliver us to a cruel master?
Perhaps you remember our inalienable rights such as, “Freedom OF Religion”. Today it seems that right has been rephrased in the minds of men as “Freedom FROM Religion.”.
Christmas has been rephrased as Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings. Happy Easter has turned into spring break and gone to the “Bunny”. The freedom for “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” has gone to restate life as something entirely different than what the Bible calls life in Ps. 139 where God says, “I knit you together in your mother’s womb”.
Now the pursuit of happiness is being able to live out one’s sexual freedom for the “sake of happiness” and then exercising my “liberty” to take care of any “problems that have arisen” to stifle that freedom.
Tonight’s newscast showed people once again luting stores and going unpunished which puts businesses out of order and lives at risk. There is no application of justice because people are not even instructed that God’s law says, “Thou shalt not steal”.
The greatest judgment God can send to a disobedient nation is to let them have their own way and reap the disgusting, painful, sad consequences of their sins!
Be Careful What You Ask For! Be Very Careful!!
Because…“That’s NOT the way, aha, aha, You’re gonna like it, aha, aha. No, That’s NOT the way, aha, aha, I like it, aha, aha.”