Bible Pathway - Aug. 16, 2011
Read Jeremiah 7
Highlights:
Judah, don't be fooled! Hear the Word of the Lord (Jer. 7:2,4-5; 9:20,24). Disobedient children experience complete disaster as a consequence of their sin. If the prophet of God is sorrowed (8:18-22), what do you think it does to the Heavenly Father's heart? God, forgive our disobedience.
We are prone to ignore the Captain of the host of the Lord (Josh. 5:14) because He is invisible and does not impose Himself upon us.
It is easy to be misdirected into choosing a course of direction because we can physically and financially accomplish our desires. Because of this, some have made decisions when God has not directed.
Because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you . . . but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not . . . Therefore. . . . Behold, Mine anger and My fury shall be poured out upon this place, (and) upon man (Jer. 7:13,20).
A ministry or church may be popular in the eyes of the world but have little spiritual effect for eternity! The Lord saith, Because they have forsaken My Law which I set before them (for more "popular" programs), and have not obeyed My voice . . . But have walked after the imagination of their own heart. . . . I will scatter them also among the heathen (as slaves) (9:13-14,16). These verses remind us of the necessity for the believer to read all the Word of God and live a life of obedience to Him.
It is possible that our "spiritual" activity is as impressive as huge stacks of wood, hay, (and) stubble (I Cor. 3:12) which may appear successful but result in eternal spiritual loss. It is of utmost importance for Christians to be emptied of self-sufficiency and filled with the Holy Spirit by a personal relationship with Christ in obedience to His Word. Pray every day that Christ and His Word will be exalted: Serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord . . . understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts (I Chr. 28:9). It is comforting to know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). But, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:6).
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord (Jer. 9:23-24).
Thought for Today:
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Prov. 4:23).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who demanded a cleansed Temple (Jer. 7:1-11). Jesus cleansed the Temple and said: My House shall be called of all nations the House of Prayer (Mark 11:17).
Word Studies:
7:15 the whole seed of Ephraim all the people of the Northern Kingdom; 7:33 fray frighten; 9:7 melt them, and try them define them by testing with affliction; 10:22 noise of the bruit sound of a rumor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR) and Rep.-at-Large Rick Berg (ND) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and the Lord will free you from your fears (Ps. 34:4).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:2
