Sweet Rest and Sleep – Jeremiah 31:26

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:26 (NIV)

“At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.”

Jeremiah 31:26 (MSG)

“Just then I woke up and looked around—what a pleasant and satisfying sleep!”

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“At this I (Jeremiah) awoke and looked, and my [trancelike] sleep was sweet [in the assurance it gave] to me.” -AMPLIFIED

“Jeremiah receives God’s messages in a variety of ways. In this dream-vision, he sees the future for his people. This is a sweet comfort and a welcomed contrast to other messages of doom and judgment. But as Jeremiah will see, God’s message of consolation is not only a hope of restoration for one rebellious nation, but a promise for all people. Jeremiah is perhaps best known as the prophet of the “new covenant.” According to the prophet, God is about to establish a new relationship with a new people. It will be unlike any earlier agreement. It will not be written on stone tablets that can be broken or on scrolls that can be lost or forgotten or even burned (36:23). No, this covenant between God and humanity is so intimate that it is to be written on the heart.” ~VOICE footnote

In yesterday’s passage, we found the Lord telling Israel that He would be the one who would refresh and satisfy them. God’s Message to them:

“Judah and all its cities will live in it together—also farmers and those who move with the flocks— for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.” ‘Jeremiah 31:24-25 (CSB)

And now we come to a sidenote in the text. Here we find Jeremiah inserting a bit of information that was not a Message from the Lord, as he tells us the manner in which the previous Message was received. Jeremiah tells us:

“At this moment, I woke up from a wonderful sleep and looked around.” -(VOICE)

Immediately after receiving that last bit of information about the Lord giving to Israel refreshment and satisfaction, Jeremiah woke up. Apparently, the Lord was speaking to Jeremiah in a dream or vision, and Jeremiah tells us that it was a wonderful, sweet, satisfying rest.

“At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep had been pleasant to me.” -(NASB)

How sweet it is when our minds go to sleep with the Lord on our mind, and His presence remains with us as we rest. In this instance, the Lord used this opportunity to give to Jeremiah a Message for His people, and that Message was filled with hope and encouragement that was a blessing and pleasant to Jeremiah.

“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.” ~Watchman Nee

“(Then Jeremiah wakened. “Such sleep is very sweet!” he said.)” -(TLB)

“Jeremiah now “awakes” from the vision.  Since previous visions have come while he is awake, this may simply refer to the vision itself being sweet.  On the other hand, this could equally have been a vision received in a dream.  God is not limited to the means by which He reveals Himself to His prophets.” ~Melissa Beaty

Scripture reminds us that God desires for us to have sweet rest and sleep.

David tells us that we can have good sleep at night because the Lord supports and sustains us:

“I lie down at night and fall asleep. I awake in the morning—healthy, strong, vibrant—because the Eternal supports me.” -Psalm 3:5 (VOICE)

David also tells us that good rest hinges on trusting in the Lord:

“Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe.” -Psalm 4:8 (VOICE)

Solomon shares that good sleep comes from a clear conscience, from obeying God:

“My son, never lose sight of God’s wisdom and knowledge: make decisions out of true wisdom, guard your good sense, and they will be life to your soul and fine jewelry around your neck. Then each one of your steps will land securely on your life’s journey, and you will not trip or fall. Your mind will be clear, free from fear; when you lie down to rest, you will be refreshed by sweet sleep. Stay calm; there is no need to be afraid of a sudden disaster or to worry when calamity strikes the wicked, for the Eternal is always there to protect you. He will safeguard your each and every step.” -Proverbs 3:21-26 (VOICE)

“In His time, God gives us rest from every test.” ~Woodrow Kroll

Jesus promised to give His followers rest. His stipulation, they were to go to Him and accept the rest that He has offered you:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest.” -Matthew 11:28-29 (VOICE)

“Christ’s invitation to the weary and heavy-laden is a call to begin life over again upon a new principle–upon His own principle. “Watch My way of doing things,” He says. “Follow Me. Take life as I take it. Be meek and lowly, and you will find Rest.”” ~Henry Drummond

Paul encourages us not to be anxious about things, but instead, pray, give those worries and cares to the Lord, and allow Him to give you peace and rest:

“Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (VOICE)

“No soul can be really at rest until it has given up all dependence on everything else and has been forced to depend on the Lord alone. As long as our expectation is from other things, nothing but disappointment awaits us.” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

My friend, the Lord desires for us to have sweet rest and sleep. He is the One who taught us to rest, taking off the seventh day of Creation in order to rest, setting us a precedence to follow. Are you having trouble resting or sleeping? Turn to the Word of God and reread those passages about giving all your cares and worries to the Lord. Remind yourself of the need to trust Him with your cares and worries. Give to Him all those issues and troubles, you were never meant to carry those burdens. Once you have given Him those cares, stop yourself from taking them back. Trust that He will take care of them for you and accept the peace and rest that He desires you to have.

“As long as I am content to know that He is infinitely greater than I, and that I cannot know Him unless He shows Himself to me, I will have Peace, and He will be near me and in me, and I will rest in Him.” ~Thomas Merton

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I cannot change one thing about my life by worrying over it. I know, I have tried. I am learning that instead; I need to give those cares to you. I need to hand the burdens over and trust you to work all things out for good. Sometimes relinquishing control is a struggle. But letting go and allowing you to work out things in your way, the best way, is the better choice. I am learning! So, Lord, I ask you to remind me, every night, as I lay my head to rest, to first take the time to place every worry, care, and concern into your capable hands, and to leave them there. I am reminded that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think (Eph. 3:20), so I am putting my faith and trust in you. Thank you for being my support, I know I can always rely on and trust in you. ❤ 

Adonai will Do a New Thing – Jeremiah 31:22

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:22 (NIV)

“How long will you wander, unfaithful Daughter Israel? The Lord will create a new thing on earth—the woman will return to the man.”

Jeremiah 31:22 (MSG)

“How long will you flit here and there, indecisive? How long before you make up your fickle mind? God will create a new thing in this land: a transformed woman will embrace the transforming God!”

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“How long will you hesitate [to return], O you faithless and renegade daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the land [of Israel]: a woman will encompass (tenderly love) a man.” -AMPLIFIED

“This passage probably personifies Israel as an erring but deeply penitent wife, who will devote herself to winning back and being worthy of the love of her divine husband and Lord, who had rejected her.” ~AMPLFIED footnote

In yesterday’s text, we found the Lord instructing the people of Israel to be sure to put up signposts, so they could find their way home. God’s Message:

“Set up road markers for yourself; establish signposts!
Keep the highway in mind, the way you have traveled.
Return, Virgin Israel! Return to these cities of yours.” -Jeremiah 31:21 (CSB)

The point is, God wanted them to find their way home to Him. We grasp this truth further as we look to today’s text, and find the Lord asking:

“How long will you drift this way and that, my renegade daughter? Take heart—for now the Eternal will do a new thing on the earth: a woman will surround a man.”-(VOICE)

Adonai inquires, “How long?” How long will you drift? How long will wander? How long will you flirt with the things of the world? How long will you hesitate to return to me?

And then we find the Lord calling Israel an unruly daughter, a renegade, wayward, and unfaithful. Exactly what she was; He does not ever attach to us a label that is not true. But He does not tiptoe around our sin. He calls it exactly what it is.

Thankfully, the Lord does not leave Israel in a hopeless place. As we have noticed before, He points out Israel’s sin, but encourages her with the change that could be brought about if she would but repent and turn from that sin. In this case, if the unfaithful daughter would return to Him, follow the signposts back to Him, then He would cause something new to happen. The Lord would embrace and transform Israel.

If we dig a little deeper into the final words of this verse, which are difficult to understand, we can find even more hope. The Lord says to Israel:

• “A woman will shelter a man.” -(NASB)
• “A woman will go seeking a man.” -(NCV)
• “Israel will embrace her God.” -(NLT)

There is hope in that statement. Israel would one day return to Adonai. There are many theologians who believe that this is a reference alluding to the coming of the Messiah, which is possible. But it is more likely that it refers to an unfaithful Israel returning to and seeking after her first love, Adonai, and finally finding Him.

Remember, when they find Him once again, His intention is to do a new thing for them.

“How long will you vacillate, O wayward daughter? For the Lord will cause something new and different to happen—Israel will search for God.” -(TLB)

“God still asks in pity, “how long will you seek here and there for comfort?” You will never find it till you come back to your God. Emptiness is written upon everything till the heart comes to its Saviour and Lord.” ~Charles Spurgeon

God is waiting patiently for His children to come home to Him. He will never force Himself on us, He is a gentleman waiting for us to ask Him to come and do for us what only He can do, make all things new.

Let us look at a few Scripture verses that stress the fact that God does not want us to stay the same, but He wants us to change. He wants to do new things in and through us.

May we grasp and fully understand something that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. It is only because of what God has done for us, that we can become new creations. If we repent and turn from our sin, then the old life is over, the new life has begun!

“Because of all that God has done, we now have a new perspective. We used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. No longer. We used to think of the Anointed the same way. No longer. Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone—and see—a new life has begun! All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us and brought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him through the Anointed. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him. It is central to our good news that God was in the Anointed making things right between Himself and the world. This means He does not hold their sins against them. But it also means He charges us to proclaim the message that heals and restores our broken relationships with God and each other. So we are now representatives of the Anointed One, the Liberating King; God has given us a charge to carry through our lives—urging all people on behalf of the Anointed to become reconciled to the Creator God.” -2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (VOICE)

In the book of Isaiah, we find the Lord telling Israel that the past is in the past, but He wanted to do new things for them. And He tells them what those new things will look like.

Eternal One: “I am the Eternal One. By righteousness I have called you. I will take you by the hand and keep you safe. You are given as a covenant between Me and the people: a light for the nations, a shining beacon to the world. You will open blind eyes so they will see again. You will lead prisoners, blinking, out from caverns of captivity, from cells pitch black with despair. I am the Eternal One. I Am is My name. My beauty is unique, a weighty splendor all My own. And nothing else—no idols could possibly gain My praise. Look here, what’s done is done and gone. The now is new, and there’s hope in the not-yet. I will tell you what’s to come, even before the events are brand-new.” -Isaiah 42:6-9 (VOICE)

Also, in the book of Isaiah, we find the Lord encouraging Israel to stop focusing on their past, and start looking for the new things that He would do in their lives.

Eternal One: “Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by. Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none.” -Isaiah 43:18-19 (VOICE)

And again, in Isaiah, we find the Lord describing for Israel His Master plan for them, and His plan, His intentions are definitely for good.

Eternal One: “Now look here! I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The weary and painful past will be as if it never happened. No one will talk or even think about it anymore. So take joy and celebrate with unending gladness on account of what I am creating. Look carefully! I am making this place I’ve chosen, this Jerusalem, a city of joy. I’m making her citizens, My people, a people of gladness. This Jerusalem, My pride and joy, and her people will be a delight to Me. Though you listen at every corner, you will never hear crying, never hear despair or grief. Never again will a person not live a full life, for the young will live to be a hundred and any who die earlier will be considered cursed. People will confidently build houses and make them their homes; they will plant vineyards and enjoy their fruit for years to come. They won’t worry that someone else will come along, drive them out, and take it all away. For My people will live as long as these age-old trees; my chosen will use up and wear out whatever they make. They will not work hard for what others take away; they will not lose children to sudden terror and death. For they are the offspring of those blessed by the Eternal; they and their descendants will enjoy God’s blessings. I’ll anticipate their prayers and respond before they know it; even as they speak, I will hear. But they’ll all eat together like friends—wolf and lamb, lion and ox, and the biting snake will feed on dust. When that day arrives, there will be no evil, no violence, no hurt or wrong in all My sacred mountain.” -Isaiah 65:17-25 (VOICE)

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” ~Warren Wiersbe

My friend, God wants to do new things in your life too. Let us stop thinking that we are a hopeless case, that God could not possibly help us. Let us also stop looking back to our past, getting hung up on our guilt and sin. Instead, look forward, keep your eyes on the goal. God has new things in store for our lives, and ultimately, a new heaven and a new earth. Put your hope and trust in the One who can and will make all things new!

“The same Jesus Who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. He is still in the miracle-working business, and His business is the business of transformation.” ~Adrian Rogers

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you are in the transforming and changing business. You have instructed me to turn away from my sin. To follow the signposts home to you, so that you can change me into something new. There are many promises in your Word that stress the fact that you desire to do a new thing within the hearts of your children. You want to make them new. Lord, I want to submit, but sometimes that old nature rears its ugly head. I ask for your help in laying aside that old nature. Help me to crucify the flesh, I yield to you, Lord. Please, begin a new work within me. Thank you, Lord.

Our Loving Heavenly Father – Jeremiah 31:20

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:20 (NIV)

“Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 31:20 (MSG)

“Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son, my child in whom I take pleasure! Every time I mention his name, my heart bursts with longing for him! Everything in me cries out for him. Softly and tenderly I wait for him.” God’s Decree.”

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“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him. Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.” -AMPLIFIED

“‘Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child?” You might expect the answer to be, “No, he has lost the rights of childhood; he has been unpleasant and provoking to God, “ yet God does not give such an answer as that to his own questions, but he says:- “For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still;” Notwithstanding that the Lord threatened him, and sent prophets to foretell evil to him because of his sin, yet he says, “I do earnestly remember him still;”-“Therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him saith the LORD.” What a wonderful speech for God to make! Even the infinitely-blessed God represents himself as in trouble concerning penitent sinners, remembering them in pity, and longing to have mercy upon them.” ~Charles Spurgeon

The Lord, who knows everything about us, from the beginning of our lives, till the end, foretold what the response of Israel would one day be to their sin. One day, they would come to the end of themselves and would declare:

“I have surely heard Ephraim moaning,
“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined
like an untrained calf.
Take me back, so that I can return,
for you, Lord, are my God. After my return, I felt regret; after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief.
I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.” -Jeremiah 31:18-19 (CSB)

And once they did reach that place, then the Lord, our loving Father, will respond in this way:

“So I, the Eternal One, asked: “Is this not Ephraim, My beloved son, My darling child? As often as I speak against him, I have never forgotten him. Even now, My heart longs for him; I will surely show him mercy!” -(VOICE)

The Lord’s response to Israel’s confession and realization will be that of a loving Father. His love for them will not have lessened. In fact, His love for them remained strong, hence why He says in the future His response to them will be:

“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will certainly have mercy on him,” declares the Lord.” -(NASB)

Let us take note of a few things in this verse:

First, God looked on Israel as His dear, precious child.

Second, God had to discipline that child in order to train Him in the way he should go, but it that discipline was for a purpose, and it was done out of love.

Third, even though God needed to discipline Israel; His love for them did not lessen. He still longed for Israel, His heart yearned for the people.

Fourth, because of the Lord’s deep love for Israel, He knew that He needed to have mercy on this wayward child.

Let’s take a moment to look at something that Hosea recorded for us about God’s feelings towards Israel:

“When Israel was a child, I loved him; and out of Egypt I called My son. But the more I called to Israel the more they walked away from Me. They kept on sacrificing to other divine masters and burning incense to idols! But I was the one who taught Ephraim to walk, holding him up by his arms, but his people didn’t know I was the One who took care of them. I led them along with leather cords; with ropes of love I showed them the way. As I dealt with them, I lifted the yoke from their neck; I bent down to give them their food.” -Hosea 11:1-4 (VOICE)

The Lord goes on to say:

“But how can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I turn you over to your enemies, Israel? How can I give you away as I did Admah or treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within Me, and all at once My compassion is stirred up. I will not carry out My burning anger; I will not destroy Ephraim completely. For I am God, not a human being; I am the Holy One in your midst; I won’t unleash My anger for an attack.” -Hosea 11:8-9 (VOICE)

How great is the love of the Father towards His children!

“And the Lord replies: Ephraim is still my son, my darling child. I had to punish him, but I still love him. I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.” -(TLB)

“We need to realize that God is a good Father, and sometimes that’s hard to do if our earthly fathers were deeply flawed. Perceiving God’s goodness – toward us – and the depths of His love are incredibly healing. Appreciating our privileges and responsibilities as children of God brings us deeper into our relationship with God and clarifies our role in life.” ~Fritz Chery

Scripture reminds us that the Lord is our loving, caring Heavenly Father. He cherishes us with an everlasting love that will never quit, and we can learn much from His Word about His great love for us. And we all need reminding of that love from time to time.

1.) God loved us while we were still sinners. “But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.” -Romans 5:8 (VOICE)

2.) God’s love for us will never end: “How enduring is God’s loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day.” -Lamentations 3:22-23 (VOICE)

3.) Nothing can separate us from God’s love: “For I have every confidence that nothing—not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing—can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39 (VOICE)

4.) God’s love is personal; for He calls us His children: “Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children. And in the same way the world didn’t recognize Him, the world does not recognize us either.” -1 John 3:1 (VOICE)

5.) God treats us as His natural born children: “Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? But if you are not experiencing the correction that all true children receive, then it may be that you are not His children after all.” -Hebrews 12:7-8 (VOICE)

6.) God lovingly disciplines His children: “My son, do not ignore the Eternal’s instruction or lose heart when He steps in to correct you; because the Eternal proves His love by caring enough to discipline you, just as a father does his child, his pride and joy.” -Proverbs 3:11-12 (VOICE)

7.) God is merciful to us, not giving to us what we deserve: “Thankfully, God does not punish us for our sins and depravity as we deserve. In His mercy, He tempers justice with peace.” -Psalm 103:10 (VOICE)

“God loves you just as you are, but He also loves you enough to not let you stay how you are. He wants to see you grow and change for the better. He sent Jesus to die for your sins so this would be possible. When you receive God’s forgiveness and accept God’s help, you can begin to work toward positive, lasting change.” ~Faith Eng

My friend, our Heavenly Father, is a loving, caring father. He may need to discipline us, but His discipline is always tempered with mercy. He is not out to destroy us, but to help us to grow, and become a better person, the person He intends us to be. His love for us is strong, and deep, and consistent, unchanging. So, do not worry that you have been too sinful, too bad, too disobedient to be saved. He is patiently waiting for you to realize the depth of your sin, and for you to repent, confess that sin, and to turn back to Him. Do it today, please don’t wait.

“Everything a godly parent wants for their child; God wants for us. The Bible is His love letter to us, a letter to be treasured.” ~David Jeremiah

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, here I am again, in need of your forgiveness. I confess, I have made a mess of things once again. I have foolishly thought that I could do life on my own. I have turned to other things to bring me satisfaction, something that only you can do. Please forgive me. I am so thankful that you are merciful and kind. I am so grateful for your love that never changes, for your mercies that are new every morning. Lord, you are so good to me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. Help me to grow into the person that you have created me to be. I know I need your help, but you are waiting for me to be submissive to your tender hand. Lord, I surrender, help me to stay that way. Thank you, Lord. ❤

Coming to the End of Ourselves -Jeremiah 31:19

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:19 (NIV)

“After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’”

Jeremiah 31:19 (MSG)

“After those years of running loose, I repented. After you trained me to obedience, I was ashamed of my past, my wild, unruly past. Humiliated, I beat on my chest. Will I ever live this down?’”

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“‘After I turned away [from You], I repented; after I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse]; I was ashamed and even humiliated because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’” -AMPLIFIED

“We must consider that we are not in a history, or a narration of things done, but in a prophecy foretelling what should come to pass. The prophet foretelleth that before this promised deliverance should come, the Israelites should be in another temper, that their uncircumcised hearts should be humbled, they should accept of the punishment of their sins, confess God’s justice and righteousness, and their own wantonness and unruliness, pray unto God to change their hearts, which would never else be changed, and change their conditions, which would depend upon that change of their hearts..” ~Matthew Poole

Jeremiah recorded for us what the Lord foretold would be the response of Israel one day towards His discipline. The people would one day say:

“I have surely heard Ephraim moaning, “You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined like an untrained calf. Take me back, so that I can return, for you, Lord, are my God.” -Jeremiah 31:18 (CSB)

As we look to today’s text, we find the response of the people continuing, as they respond to and accept responsibility for their actions towards, and sin against the Lord. Israel would one day say:

“After I had turned away from You, I repented. I turned back toward You when I understood what I had done; I slapped my thigh in shame and regret for the disgraceful things I did when I was young.” -(VOICE)

The Lord says that one day Israel, also known as Ephraim, will stop making their excuses, and they will finally confess that it was they who turned away from the Lord. They will repent, and when they do so, they will turn back to the Lord. On day, they would come to the end of themselves, and realize their great need for the Lord. At that time, they would also understand that all that the Lord had allowed to happen to them was for their own good. He was using every situation to turn their wayward hearts back to Him. Every situation was intended to instruct and teach them to walk in humble obedience before Him. And the Lord says that when they finally grasp this truth, when they finally understand, they will be both ashamed and humiliated for the way they acted before, when they were young.

“Instructed – Brought to my senses by suffering. The smiting upon the thigh is a sign of sorrow.” ~Albert Barnes

In the book of Ezekiel, we find the Lord telling the people of Israel what the purpose of His discipline is for:

“Then you will recall your evil ways and wicked deeds. You will recognize how bad they were and hate yourselves for all the shocking and despicable things you did!” -Ezekiel 36:31 (VOICE)

Each of us must come to the end of ourselves and realize that we cannot do life without Him.

“I turned away from God, but I was sorry afterwards. I kicked myself for my stupidity. I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in younger days.” -(TLB)

“Israel recognized that their misfortunes were not accidents of blind fate. They were chastisements from the LORD, which they now humbly accepted as if they were an untrained bull that needed to be broken in some sense and brought into submission…In total dependence upon God, they realized that they could not return to God without His restoring work. They humbly asked God to restore them so they could return… In turning to God, they understood that their behavior had to change. It meant repentance…Having returned to God, they were ashamed of their past sin and rebellion, of the sins of their youth. In the manner of a person greatly moved or upset, they struck themselves on the thigh.” ~David Guzik

In our foolish pride we too often think we have life all figured out. In reality, we don’t. We cannot do life without God, and we need to come to that realization sooner than later. Consider something that Jesus told the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” -Matthew 5:3-4 (MSG)

“Blessed are the spiritually poor—the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn—they will be comforted.” -Matthew 5:3-4 (VOICE)

When we remember that God’s ways are not our ways, we will finally realize that we need to do things His way.

“My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do. My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth.” -Isaiah 55:8-9 (VOICE)

When we grasp the fact that God disciplines those He loves, we should realize how deeply He does love us.

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects each one He takes as His own.” -Hebrews 12:6 (VOICE)

When we accept the fact that God’s intentions for us are for good, not evil, we will be on the right road of life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

“For us to be transformed increasingly into Christ’s likeness, we need God’s correction: “He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:10-11).” ~Randy Alcorn

My friend, please, please, please, do not ever think that God hates you, or does not care for you. He is waiting for all of us to come to the end of our rope, the end of ourselves. When we finally realize that we cannot do life without Him, and we surrender to Him as our Lord and Savior, then He can step in and instruct us in the way we should go. We need to trust that God’s intentions for us have always been for our good.

“If we will only surrender ourselves utterly to the Lord, and will trust Him perfectly, we shall find our souls “mounting up with wings as eagles” to the “heavenly places” in Christ Jesus, where earthly annoyances or sorrows have no power to disturb us.” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am reminded again that your ways are not my ways. Your ways are better, higher. Your intentions for my life were planned even before I was thought of, definitely before I was born. I must keep reminding myself that your plans are for good, not evil; too often I fail to remember that. I confess, I have been angry with you, Lord. I have been frustrated. And each time it comes down to the fact that I have insisted on doing things my own way, not yours. Please forgive me. Help me to walk in your ways. Help me to trust that your plans for my life are meant for good. Help me to remember how deep your love for me truly is, and that you care for me more than I could even imagine. I am so thankful for you, Lord. Please, continue to be patient with me as I learn to walk in your ways. Thank you, Lord.

God will Turn Our Lament into Joy: Part 2 -Jeremiah 31:16

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:16 (NIV)

 “This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy.”

Jeremiah 31:16 (MSG)

“But God says, “Stop your incessant weeping, hold back your tears. Collect wages from your grief work.” God’s Decree. “They’ll be coming back home!”

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“Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “And your children will return from the enemy’s land.” -AMPLIFIED

“Sorrow and grief do not have the last word, either in Jeremiah or in Matthew. A mother may refuse to be comforted, but God will comfort her nonetheless.” ~Philip Ryken

In yesterday’s text, we found the Lord speaking of the deep sorrow that the Northern Kingdom would experience. (The Northern Kingdom was represented by Rachel.) He spoke of how she would lament and mourn over the loss of her children:

“This is what the Lord says: “A voice was heard in Ramah, a lament with bitter weeping—Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children because they are no more.” -Jeremiah 31:15 (CSB)

But the Lord encourages Rachel, that her weeping will not last forever. He promises that her children will return home. Rachel’s lament will be turned to joy!

“But listen to what the Eternal says: Eternal One: Do not weep, Rachel—wipe the tears from your eyes for I promise I will reward you for what you have done. Your children will return from this exile; they will come back home from this enemy land.” -(VOICE)

Our passage begins with the word “but”…thank God for those “but’s”!

Jeremiah did not want to leave the people without hope, for the Lord had hope in store for them. God did not want to leave His children broken and shattered, so He gave to them this directive with a promise attached to it.

“Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.” -(NLT)

Many of the translations say, “they will come back…” Who are they? They are the children referred to, Rachel’s children from the last verse. They will come back; they will return home from their exile.

Think back to the promise given to Israel back in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -(AMP)

The Lord tells Israel that their hope and joy will one day be restored.

“But the Lord says: Don’t cry any longer, for I have heard your prayers and you will see them again; they will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.” -(TLB)

“The Lord comforted “Rachel” by assuring her that her children would return from exile. All the work she had expended on them was not in vain. There was hope for their future.” ~Thomas Constable

Scripture reminds us that the Lord’s anger lasts only for a short time, but in the end, He will restore hope and joy. Consider something that David wrote:

• “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night,
  But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5 (AMP)

• “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” -Psalm 30:5 (NASB)

• “His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” -Psalm 30:5B (VOICE)

“Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless.” ~Gilbert K. Chesterton

When life becomes overwhelming, let us remind ourselves that God is our hope, just as the sons of Korah did, and let us continue to praise Him despite our circumstances.

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God. I should keep praising him, my Savior and my God.” -Psalm 42:11 (ICB)

My prayer for you echoes that of Paul’s as he prayed for the church in Rome:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” -Romans 15:13 (AMP)

“Optimism is a wish without warrant; Christian hope is a certainty, guaranteed by God himself. Optimism reflects ignorance as to whether good things will ever actually come. Christian hope expresses knowledge that every day of his life, and every moment beyond it, the believer can say with truth, on the basis of God’s own commitment, that the best is yet to come.” ~J. I. Packer

My friend, if you are a child of God, then He has extended to you hope. This world is not the end. Remember, your weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning! Hold on to the hope that is found in God’s Word. Every promise contained within its pages was meant for you.

“Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song – He has become your salvation.” ~Charles Spurgeon

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you give me so many reasons to hold on to hope. Your Word is full of promise after promise, encouraging me to hold on, to press on, to keep on, because you are my LIVING HOPE! I can face every situation, every challenge, because you give me hope and you are my Hope. Thank you, Lord, I am so thankful for those promises, I am so grateful that you are my Hope. I am holding on to you and all of your promises, because you keep my hope alive.

The Lord Will Satisfy – Jeremiah 31:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:14 (NIV)

“I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 31:14 (MSG)

“I’ll make sure that their priests get three square meals a day and that my people have more than enough.’” God’s Decree.”

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“I will fully satisfy the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” says the Lord.” -AMPLIFIED

“God will bring about spiritual “fatness.”  One is fat when one continually consumes more than one needs as well as retains that which one has consumed.  Spiritually, then, this means continually, rather than sparingly, receiving God’s goodness and His Spirit and then retaining and being satisfied with what one has received.” ~Melissa Beaty

As we have delved into Jeremiah 31, we have been seeing what the benefits of walking in obedience to the Lord looks like. We are told that the people of Israel will one day return in obedience and will be blessed with joy and gladness, rejoicing and dancing in celebration.

“Then the young women will rejoice with dancing, while young and old men rejoice together.
I will turn their mourning into joy, give them consolation, and bring happiness out of grief.” -Jeremiah 31:13 (CSB)

And when the scattered people of Israel return in obedience, they will finally find their satisfaction in the Lord.

“From the overflow of sacrifices, I will satisfy My priests; all My people will feast on My goodness. This is what the Eternal declares!” -(VOICE)

Part of the disobedience of the people of Israel was that they failed to bring their sacrifices and offerings to the Lord, as He had instructed them to do. The prophet Joel recorded this for us:

“You priests, throw off your fine robes. Dress in sackcloth and grieve. Wail, you servants at the altar. Come into the temple and spend all night in your sackcloth, you ministers of my God, because no one brings grain and wine to offer at your God’s house these days.” -Joel 1:13 (VOICE)

But in the latter days things will change. The people will once again bring their sacrifices and offerings to the Lord.

Two things stand out in this passage. Two things that are the outcome of their obedience to the Lord:

• 1.) “I will refresh the priests with an abundance…” -(CSB) God will provide more than enough for the priests. Notice that word abundance, it means plenty, or more than enough.

“I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance: The idea is that the priests would have a great abundance because the people were so blessed. The people tithed much because they were blessed much.” ~David Guzik

And…

• 2.) “...and my people will be satisfied with my goodness.” -(CSB) The people will be satisfied, content, happy, joyful with Adonai’s goodness.

“I will feast the priests with the abundance of offerings brought to them at the Temple; I will satisfy my people with my bounty, says the Lord.” -(TLB)

“God will give the spiritual leaders of his people enough and more than enough, more than they can take in, he will satiate them with fatness. What a delightful promise this is! Listen to it and carry it home, all of you who are truly the Lord’s people.” ~Charles Spurgeon

The Psalms contain many reminders for us about the fact that only God can truly satisfy us.

“For the Lord says, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name. When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.” -Psalm 91:14-16 (TLB)

“For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good.” -Psalm 107:9 (TLB)

“The Lord lifts the fallen and those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all mankind look up to you for help; you give them their food as they need it. You constantly satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” -Psalm 145:14-16 (TLB)

True satisfaction is found only in God, and we need to remember a few things in order to experience that satisfaction fully:

1.) God wants us to keep our minds focused on Him: “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character],
because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” -Isaiah 26:3 (AMP)

2.) God wants us to seek after Him: “Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:12-13 (AMP)

3.) God gives us everything we need. “His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue.” -2 Peter 1:3 (VOICE)

4.) God wants us to be content with what we have. “This is ironic because godliness, along with contentment, does put us ahead but not in the ways some imagine. You see we came into this world with nothing, and nothing is going with us on the way out! So as long as we are clothed and fed, we should be happy.” -1 Timothy 6:6-8 (VOICE)

5.) God wants us to trust Him completely, no matter what. “Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong. Respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil. If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life, will experience healing and health, and will be strengthened at their core.” -Proverbs 3:5-8 (VOICE)

“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately, and forever.” ~A. W. Tozer

My friend, God is the only One who can truly satisfy us. We all have tried to satisfy that hunger and thirst within our souls in some other way, that was B.C., before Christ. And, hopefully we have learned that nothing else can fill that emptiness within, that satisfaction, but God. Let us learn to be fully satisfied in Him, for He is the Source of all we need.

“The secret for contentment in every situation is to focus on the Lord–as Sovereign, as Savior, and as the Sufficient One.” ~Steven J. Cole

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you alone can satisfy my soul. You give me love, joy, and peace. Your mercies are new every morning. Help me, Lord to learn to be content in you. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you, seeking after you all the time. For it is you that gives me everything that I need, and I am grateful for your gifts. Please, help my faith and trust in you to grow stronger. Help me to remember that you are more than enough for me. Thank you, Lord, you are so good to me. ❤

The Shepherd and the Flock – Jeremiah 31:10

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:10 (NIV)

“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’”

Jeremiah 31:10 (MSG)

“Hear this, nations! God’s Message! Broadcast this all over the world! Tell them, ‘The One who scattered Israel will gather them together again. From now on he’ll keep a careful eye on them, like a shepherd with his flock.’”

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“Hear the word of the Lord, O you nations, and declare it in the isles and coastlands far away, and say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.” -AMPLIFIED

“The God who scattered his people in many lands now gathers them. He releases them from the power of those who have held them captive.” ~Donald Flemming

Adonai has been speaking to the people about when He brings them home. And as we looked at yesterday’s text, we found Him foretelling that they would return home with an attitude of repentance. God’s Message to Israel:

“They will come weeping, but I will bring them back with consolation. I will lead them to wadis filled with water, by a smooth way where they will not stumble, for I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is my firstborn.”-Jeremiah 31:9 (CSB)

As God’s Message continues, we find Him also speaking to the nations about how He will gather His wandering sheep from among them in order to return them home. And once they are gathered, like the lost sheep they were, He would personally watch over them.

Adonai, the Good Shepherd, will gather His flock.

“Listen to the word of the Eternal, you nations of the earth; take this story to distant shores and make it known: the One who scattered Israel will now gather His people and watch over His flock as a shepherd.” -(VOICE)

As this verse opens, we find the Lord speaking to the nations about what He will do for His people. Make note of what will happen, it is guaranteed, would be no secret, it will be published abroad. The story will be broadcasted worldwide, and everyone will know what the Lord has done for Israel.

And now we come to some news which all the world will hear and see. The Lord, Himself, Adonai, the Good Shepherd, will personally and specifically, gather His lost and wandering flock from every corner of the Earth, and He will watch over them. He will be their Shepherd.

This picture of the Shepherd and the flock in Jeremiah is not a new one, back in chapter 23 we find the Lord making this declaration:

“I will personally gather the remnant of My sheep from the lands where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their home pasture where they will be fruitful and multiply.” -Jeremiah 23:3 (VOICE)

“The themes are repeated for emphasis. God will not be finished with Israel as Israel until they are gathered again in the land in the latter days.” ~David Guzik

“Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world, and publish it abroad: The Lord who scattered his people will gather them back together again and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock.” -(TLB)

“The flock of Israel was smitten and scattered, but the Lord was caring for it just the same. No matter how dark the day, the Shepherd will find you, lead you, and give you a song.” ~Warren W. Wiersbe

This theme of the Good Shepherd is woven throughout Scripture, and with each reference we are reminded of how the Shepherd lovingly cares for His sheep. Let’s take a look at just a few of these passages.

In Psalm 23, we are reminded that the Good Shepherd is our constant companion, who leads us, provides for us, and quiets our fears.

“The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.” -Psalm 23:1-3 (VOICE)

In Psalm 95, the Psalmist tells us that God is due our worship because He protects and nurtures His sheep.

“Come, let us worship Him. Everyone bow down; kneel before the Eternal who made us.
For He is our God and we are His people, the flock of His pasture, His sheep protected and nurtured by His hand.” -Psalm 95:6-7A (VOICE)

In Isaiah, we are reminded that the Good Shepherd is loving and caring with His sheep.

“He will feed His fold like a shepherd; He will gather together His lambs—the weak and the wobbly ones—into His arms. He will carry them close to His bosom, and tenderly lead like a shepherd the mother of her lambs.” -Isaiah 40:11 (VOICE)

In Ezekiel, we find the Good Shepherd identified as the Rescuer. He will be the One who gathers the lost, hungry, tired sheep, and He will lead them to a place where they will find rest.

“In the same way one shepherd seeks after, cares for, and watches over his scattered flock, so will I be the guardian of My sheep. I will be their Rescuer! No matter where they have scattered, I will go to find them. I will bring them back from the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. I will call them out from the nations, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them in the high mountain pastures and meadows of Israel. I will feed them on good pastures; they will graze on the mountain heights of Israel. They will lie down to rest on this good ground, and they will feed on succulent grasses in bountiful pastures on the slopes of Israel’s sanctuary mountains. I Myself will watch over My sheep and feed My flock. Whenever they are tired, I will lead them to rest on the cool mountain grass. When they are lost, I will seek them and bring back every last stray. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” -Ezekiel 34:12-16a (VOICE)

Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd, and He spoke about how He protects His sheep, mentioning as well that His sheep know His Voice.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” -John 10:11-18 (VOICE)

“God has not abandoned us any more than he abandoned Job. He never abandons anyone on whom he has set his love; nor does Christ, the good shepherd, ever lose track of his sheep.” ~J. I. Packer

In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that the Good Shepherd is perfecting each of us:

“Now may the God of peace, who brought the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, back from the dead through the blood of the new everlasting covenant, perfect you in every good work as you work God’s will. May God do in you only those things that are pleasing in His sight through Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, to whom we give glory always and forever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:20-21 (VOICE)

“It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us. He understands us perfectly.” ~W. Phillip Keller

My friend, we have a Good Shepherd, who truly cares about us, His sheep. He is tender and loving, kind and compassionate. He provides for us, protects us, and leads us in the way we should go. And He is perfecting us in every good work. Could we ask for a better shepherd? He is so good to us!

“The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the Shepherd.” ~A. W. Tozer

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am so blessed to have you, the Good Shepherd, caring for me. I know that I can rest in the fact that you are diligent in my care, never slumbering or sleeping, always on the job. You ensure that I am safe, provided for, and you are my constant Companion. When I wander away, your staff nudges me back on the path. When I am hurt, you wrap your loving arms around me and sing songs of love to me. When I get hungry, you feed me. And when I am tired, you lead me to a place of sweet peace and rest. Lord, you are indeed such a good Shepherd. Thank you for your tender, loving care. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I am so blessed that you are my Good Shepherd. ❤

The Builder – Jeremiah 31:4

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:4 (NIV)

“I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.”

Jeremiah 31:4 (MSG)

“And so now I’ll start over with you and build you up again, dear virgin Israel. You’ll resume your singing, grabbing tambourines and joining the dance.”

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“Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel! You will again be adorned with your tambourines and timbrels and go out to the dances of those who celebrate.” -AMPLIFIED

“God’s loyal love to Israel will mean that He restores and builds them, and this is assured (you shall be rebuilt). Israel’s restoration will mean joy, dancing, and abundance.” ~David Guzik

The Lord has been speaking to His people about His everlasting love for His them. His love had faithfully continued for them despite the fact that they had proven to be unfaithful to Him. God’s Message to them:

“..the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.” -Jeremiah 31:3 (CSB)

That Message continues, as we find Adonai declaring that as He was The Builder, He would build them up once again. God’s Message:

“And so it shall be again, My virgin Israel; I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt. You will again take up the tambourine and join with those who are dancing for joy.” -(VOICE)

This verse begins with an interesting expression that varies in each translation, but conveys the same idea:

• “Again I will build you…” -(CSB)
• “I will build thee again…’-(DARBY)
• “Once again I will build you up…” -(NOG)

Adonai, The Builder, will once again step in and rebuild Israel. And when He does, it will be good.

Notice, the Lord calls unfaithful Israel a virgin, the Lord will once again restore her purity.

The response of the people of Israel will be one of joy and gladness, as it should be. When God rebuilds and restores Israel there will once again be the sound of tambourines and timbrels, instruments used usually by the women following a great victory.

God will restore Israel’s joy. He will once again give her a reason to dance and celebrate.

“The Lord would rebuild His people into a nation that was uniquely His own.” ~Thomas Constable

“I will rebuild your nation, O virgin of Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with the timbrels.” -(TLB)

“Jerusalem was all broken down, her houses were vacant, and her palaces were in ruins, but God’s promise to her was, “Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built.” If the preacher tries to rebuild those who are spiritually broken down, his work may be a failure; but when God does it, it is effectually done. God can take away his people’s sorrow, and fill them with exultant joy. Their flying feet shall follow the flying music, and they shall be exceeding glad. May the Lord make his people joyful now in his house of prayer!” ~Charles Spurgeon

Scripture speaks about God being The Builder in various ways:

God was the Creator:

“In the beginning, God created everything: the heavens above and the earth below.” -Genesis 1:1a (VOICE)

God is The Builder of all things:

“For [of course] every house is built and furnished by someone, but the Builder of all things and the Furnisher [of the entire equipment of all things] is God.” -Hebrews 3:4 (AMPC)

God must build the house, or the build will be for nothing:

“If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” -Psalm 127:1-2 (MSG)

God builds our character through our faith in Him:

“By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God’s gift of undeserved grace on which we now take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. But that’s not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.” -Romans 5:1-5 (CEV)

God is even now building for us a forever home:

“We know that when the tent which houses us here on earth is torn down, we have a permanent building from God, a building not made by human hands, to house us in heaven. For in this tent, our earthly body, we groan with desire to have around us the home from heaven that will be ours. With this around us we will not be found naked. Yes, while we are in this body, we groan with the sense of being oppressed: it is not so much that we want to take something off, but rather to put something on over it; so that what must die may be swallowed up by the Life. Moreover, it is God who has prepared us for this very thing, and as a pledge he has given us his Spirit.” -2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (CJB)

“Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me. My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together.” ~Jesus (John 14:1-3 VOICE)

My friend, our Lord is The Builder, The Architect, The Creator. He knows what He is doing. He does not make mistakes. What He is building in you is for a reason; He has a purpose and a plan. He is building within us good character, to help us to become the perfect reflection of Him. May His work in you produce within you joy and gladness. Remember, He is even now at work preparing an eternal home with Him for you and I. That in and of itself should fill our hearts with gladness. Maranatha!

“God our Builder wants to erect, furnish, and prepare us to be ready to reflect His image. His desire is to adorn and equip us, His “living temples,” with all things necessary to fulfill the purpose for which we were born. So many times we deny God access to our lives, giving Him logical reasons why we could not possibly be built into His image. He stands ready to give you reasons why you can be built into the image of God. Are you ready to say yes to God’s master plan for your life? He is the Builder of everything. He wrote the blueprint of your life before you were born. Will you let Him craft your life into the masterpiece it is meant to be?” ~Wendy Pope

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you are The Builder. You are at work in every one of your children, transforming them into what is good and perfect in your sight. Though I have a tendency to be unfaithful, you, Lord, remain faithful. I am so grateful for this truth. Lord, as you work within my life to hone the character within me that you desire, help me to be submissive, and flexible in the hands of the Master Builder. Build my character. Help my faith in you to grow stronger. Remind me to keep my eyes on the goal, an eternity spent in the eternal home that you are building for your children. Thank you, Lord, I am trusting you.

God’s Intentions – Jeremiah 31:1

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:1 (NIV)

“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”

Jeremiah 31:1 (MSG)

“And when that happens”—God’s Decree—“it will be plain as the sun at high noon: I’ll be the God of every man, woman, and child in Israel and they shall be my very own people.”

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“At that time,” says the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” -AMPLIFIED

“Back to the Beginning. In God’s promise of restoration to Israel, He twice refers back to the original promise of the covenant relationship; He will be their God and they will be His people.  When God redeems Israel, He does so by bringing them back to the original relationship.” ~Melissa Beaty

As we closed out Jeremiah, chapter 30, we were reminded that God would accomplish His purposes.

“The Lord’s burning anger will not turn back until he has completely fulfilled the purposes of his heart.
In time to come you will understand it.” -Jeremiah 30:24 (CSB)

And as we begin Jeremiah, chapter 31, we are reminded that God has good intentions for and towards Israel:

“This is what the Eternal has to say: Eternal One: There will come a time when I will be the God of all the clans and families of Israel, and they will be My people.” -(VOICE)

Jeremiah identifies the fact that this promise comes directly from Adonai, the Lord and Master. Keep in mind as well that the final verses of the previous chapter identify this promise would happen in the latter days.

 Adonai‘s promise to His people: “At that time I will be God of all Israel’s family groups. And they will be my people.” -(ICB)

This was always God’s intention, His plan. Israel would be His people, and He would be their God. Back in the book of Leviticus, God made this promise to Israel:

“I will make my home among you and never turn away from you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. I am the Eternal One, your God, who led you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be their slaves. I have shattered the yokes that broke your backs and helped you walk straight and upright.” -Leviticus 26:11-13 (VOICE)

But because of their sin, their disobedience, the fact that their rebellious hearts chased after other gods, which God knew would happen, the fulfillment of His promise and plan would come about at a later time. God knew this would happen; He expected it. Be mindful of the fact, there are no surprises for God. He was there in the Beginning and He will be there in the End.

Remember what God’s expectations were from them: “I wanted them to trust Me and obey My voice. In those early days, I told them, “I will be your God, and you will be My people. Follow Me every step of the way into a life that is good.” -Jeremiah 7:23 (VOICE)

Though Israel did not uphold their part of the contract, God did.

“At that time, says the Lord, all the families of Israel shall recognize me as the Lord; they shall act like my people.” -(TLB)

“At that future time, namely, the eschatological future, the Lord would establish an intimate relationship between Himself and all the families of His people. He would finally achieve what His people had always frustrated by their sins.” ~Thomas Constable

David reminds us that God’s intentions and thoughts towards us are loving and tender.

“You have done so many wonderful things, had so many tender thoughts toward us, Eternal my God, that go on and on, ever increasing. Who can compare with You?” -Psalm 40:5 (VOICE)

Remember this promise God gave to Israel; it applies to all God’s children:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

But mankind has a tendency to make their plans without consulting The Great Planner. And to those people the Word of God gives this reminder:

Eternal One: “My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do. My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth. For as rain and snow can’t go back once they’ve fallen, but soak into the ground and nourish the plants that grow, providing seed to the farmer and bread for the hungry, So it is when I declare something. My word will go out and not return to Me empty, but it will do what I wanted; it will accomplish what I determined.” -Isaiah 55:8-11 (VOICE)

What are God’s intentions for mankind? It was, and continues to be this:

“Visualize this: His blood freely flowing down the cross, setting us free! We are forgiven for our sinful ways by the richness of His grace, which He has poured all over us. With all wisdom and insight, He has enlightened us to the great mystery at the center of His will. With immense pleasure, He laid out His intentions through Jesus, a plan that will climax when the time is right as He returns to create order and unity—both in heaven and on earth—when all things are brought together under the Anointed’s royal rule. In Him we stand to inherit even more. As His heirs, we are predestined to play a key role in His unfolding purpose that is energizing everything to conform to His will. As a result, we—the first to place our hope in the Anointed One—will live in a way to bring Him glory and praise. Because you, too, have heard the word of truth—the good news of your salvation—and because you believed in the One who is truth, your lives are marked with His seal. This is none other than the Holy Spirit who was promised as the guarantee toward the inheritance we are to receive when He frees and rescues all who belong to Him. To God be all praise and glory!” -Ephesians 1:7-14 (VOICE)

“Everything that God allows to happen in your life is permitted for one great, eternal purpose: to conform your character to the image of Christ. It is for your growth and God’s glory, and it is a plan guaranteed to succeed. It will be completed when you get to heaven.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, God’s intentions towards you are tender and for your good, they always have been. He wants to give us a hope and a future, but that future must include Him. He wants our willing obedience. He wants us to trust His plans. Are you willing?

“God’s plan and His ways of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we don’t understand.” ~Jerry Bridges

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am reminded once again that your intentions for me, your plans, they are for good, not evil. Sometimes I lose sight of that fact. I have a tendency to focus on the storms of my life, and I take my eyes off of you, the Great “I AM”, the Beginning and the End, the Faithful One. Please forgive me. You have always been faithful, and you have always kept your Word. Help me to always remember that you are at work behind the scenes, and even in the Valley of the Shadow of Death you are with me, leading me, guiding me, bringing me to rich green fields, and quiet, still waters. I know I can trust you. I am willing to trust your plan for my life. Help my trust grow stronger please. Thank you, Lord.

From Whom are You Seeking Help? -Jeremiah 30:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 30:14 (NIV)

“All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many.”

Jeremiah 30:14 (MSG)

“All your fair-weather friends have skipped town without giving you a second thought. But I delivered the knockout blow, a punishment you will never forget, because of the enormity of your guilt, the endless list of your sins.”

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“‘All your lovers (allies) have forgotten you; they do not seek and long for you. For I have injured you with the wound of an enemy, with the punishment of a cruel and merciless foe, because your guilt is great and your sins are glaring and innumerable.” -AMPLIFIED

“All your lovers have forgotten you: In Jeremiah’s day and beyond, the Jewish people often trusted in and gave themselves to foreign nations hoping they would protect them. They would forget them instead.” ~David Guzik

As we looked at Jeremiah 30:13, we found the Lord informing the people of Judah that they would have no hope without Him. Their situation was dire, and they had no advocate, nor medicine to heal them. God’s Message to them:

“You have no defender for your case. There is no remedy for your sores, and no healing for you.” -Jeremiah 30:13 (CSB)

In today’s passage, we get down to the crux of the matter: Judah had looked for help from everyone else, but the Lord.

“In the time of thy prosperity thou hadst many friends, but now they have forgotten thee. Very probably the Egyptians and Assyrians, whose help the Jews made often use of, are the lovers here intended…indeed the Egyptians were before conquered, or very much brought low, by the king of Babylon. They see the miserable case they are in, and now do not covet thee as formerly, they discern that I have wounded thee with such a wound as cruel men use to give their enemies; though it be in me no act of cruelty, for it is but in a just punishment of your iniquities, which were increased to a very great multitude.” ~Matthew Poole

“All of those allies you loved have forgotten about you; they care nothing about you. For I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you like the cruelest of foes. Why? Because your sins abound and your evil actions are abundant and brazen.” -(VOICE)

Judah, when faced with being overcome and defeated by Babylon, made a choice. Instead of turning to the Lord, their God for help, turned rather to their nearby neighbors, other nations, expecting those nations, allies, lovers, to defend them and save them.

The Lord tells them: “All your friends have forgotten you, they no longer seek you out.” -(Complete Jewish Bible)

Why did their allies forget them? Because they were worried more about their own safety. God had told Judah this would happen back in chapter 22:20:
“Go up [north] to Lebanon and cry out, And raise your voice in [the hills of] Bashan [across the Jordan]; Cry out also from Abarim, For all your lovers (allies) have been destroyed.” -Jeremiah 22:20 (AMP)

Plus, no one would save Judah from God’s mighty hand of discipline. Judah’s sin was great, her sins were many. And the fact that she stood in rebellion against the Lord her God, meant that He needed to take drastic measures in order to bring her to the place where she was once again willing to accept His help.

Solomon had warned of this:

“My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; nor despise His rebuke, for those who the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” -Provers 3:11-12 (AMP)

“Sometimes when we are in tough situations we wonder where is God? Why won’t He answer? Maybe the tough situation is God’s helping hand at work. Sometimes the things that we think are bad happen because God is protecting us from an even worse situation that we didn’t see coming. We must not be stubborn and choose our will over God’s will. We must put our full trust in the Lord and not ourselves. In all situations cry out to the mighty Lord for help.” ~Fritz Chery

“All your lovers have left you and don’t care anything about you anymore; for I have wounded you cruelly, as though I were your enemy; mercilessly, as though I were an implacable foe; for your sins are so many, your guilt is so great.” -(TLB)

“As an immoral woman tries to win the favour of lovers, so Judah has tried to gain the help of other nations. But those she thought were allies will prove useless to her.” ~Donald Flemming

Have you been faced with difficult times lately? To whom did you turn? Think about that question and be honest with yourself and God. Because too often we first turn to other people for help when we should be first turning to God. Scripture reminds us that He is our Ever-Present Help, make note:

The Lord is always ready to help us in our time of need: “God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide?” -Psalm 46:1 (VOICE)

The Lord can always be depended on for help: “You will keep the peace, a perfect peace, for all who trust in You, for those who dedicate their hearts and minds to You. So trust in the Eternal One forever, for He is like a great Rock—strong, stable, trustworthy, and lasting.” -Isaiah 26:3-4 (VOICE)

The Lord’s help will be our strength and shield: “The Eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust Him, He sends His help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise Him, and thankfulness rises as song.” -Psalm 28:7 (VOICE)

The Lord’s help always arrives at the right time: “When the time was right, I answered you; on the day you were delivered, I was your help. I will watch over you, and give you as a promise, a binding covenant to the people.” -Isaiah 49:8A (VOICE)

The Lord desires us to seek His help: “Since we have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God who has passed through the heavens from death into new life with God, let us hold tightly to our faith. For Jesus is not some high priest who has no sympathy for our weaknesses and flaws. He has already been tested in every way that we are tested; but He emerged victorious, without failing God. So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most.” -Hebrews 4:14-16 (VOICE)

“Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.” ~Dwight L. Moody

My friend, are you going through a difficult time in your life? Have you sought the Lord’s help? Remember, He is the Ever-Present Help in time of trouble. He can be depended on to help us. In fact, He has told us that He will be our Refuge and Shield. His help comes at just the right time, never too early and never too late. So, step boldly into His throne room and seek an audience with the King, whose desire is to show us all His mercy and grace. He wants to help us, He desires to help us, never forget that truth.

“If you are at a hard place in life, (don’t) hesitant to ask for help, God invites you to ask Him so He can meet your need.” ~David Jeremiah

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am so thankful that you are always available, ready to help, wanting to help. No problem that I have is ever too big or too insignificant to you. If it is important to me, then it is important to you as well. Jesus instructed His followers to: ask, seek and knock, “Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened.” -Matthew 7:7-8 (VOICE) So, Lord, I am asking for your help. I am seeking it, and I will keep knocking until you answer, because I know that I can always depend on you. Thank you, Lord.