Read Jeremiah 29
Highlights:
Letters to captives in Babylon; Jews' deliverance foretold; full restoration of all things foretold.
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace (Jer. 29:7).
Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, the slavery of the people, and their return to Jerusalem after seventy years of captivity.
Jeremiah taught the people how to react to their situation during their captivity — not by stirring up a useless revolt nor by sitting down in sullen despondency. He showed them a better way: Seek the peace — that is, be content and seek the best interest of the oppressor — for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Some Christians are irritable and dissatisfied with their circumstances and are waiting for a time in the future to really enjoy living. Perhaps they are waiting until they get another promotion, recover from an illness, have a better home, or are retired. But they are always waiting for release from their present situation — often with bitter resentment.
Who really lives in perfect circumstances in this world? There are very few who believe they do. We should live content with the blessings God has placed on our lives. Don't let the enemy cloud your vision so much that you are blinded to the things that God has done for you. If you have a roof over your head and a meal on your table, you are better off than the majority of the world.
God loves His children and answers their prayers. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Luke 11:9). Don't allow circumstances to rob you of what God has done for you. Instead, choose to be a blessing to others because God has blessed you so much. There are people all around that need help. Many need a friend. Others may just need to hear that God loves them. Maybe someone you have been at odds with would like peace in the situation. We need to return to others what God has done for us even if the people we are blessing have done us wrong. For God has blessed us even though we have sinned against Him. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt. 5:44).
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matt. 6:14).
Thought for Today:
Those who seek the peace of others find it for themselves.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who forgives sin (Jer. 31:34). That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power (authority) on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go (Matt. 9:6; comp. John 8:10-11).
Word Studies:
29:11 an expected end, a hopeful future; 29:23 have committed villany, have done disgraceful things; 30:21 engaged, pledged; 31:14 satiate, fully satisfy; 31:21 high heaps, road signs (pointing back to Israel).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Cory Gardner (CO), Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter (MI), and Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC) • Country: Senegal (10 million) in western Africa • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 92% Muslim; 4% animism and ancestor worship; 3% Roman Catholic; .1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Ps. 63:4).
Optional Reading: 1 John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 18:2