Posts Tagged ‘power’


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name.  I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them.  They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. 

 What made the people listen to and support the false prophets?  These prophets said what the people wanted to hear.  False teachers earn fame and money by telling people what they want to hear, but they lead people away from God.  It we encourage false teaching, we are as guilty as they are.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. 

 Not even the threat of captivity could move the people to repent.  The people had become so accustomed to doing evil that they had lost their ability to change. God never rejects those who sincerely turn to him.  God is warning them to repent before it becomes impossible to change.  We must never put off until tomorrow those changes God wants us to make.  Our attitudes and patterns for living can become so set that we will lose all desire to change and will no longer fear the consequences.


Under Gods Command

Jeremiah 10:23-24 I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.  Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, least you reduce me to nothing.

God’s ability to direct our lives well is infinitely beyond our ability.  Sometimes we are afraid of God’s power and God’s plans because we know his power would easily crush us if he used it against us.   Don’t be afraid to let God correct your plans.  He will give you wisdom if you are willing.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 8:4-6 Say to them, This is what the LORDS says: “When men fall down do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.  I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right.  No one repents of his wickedness, saying “What have I done?” Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle. 

 When people fall down or realize that they are headed in the wrong direction, it only makes sense for them to get up or change directions.  But as God watched the nation, he saw people living sinful lives by choice, deceiving themselves that there would be no consequences.  They had lost perspective concerning Gods will for their lives and were trying to minimize their sin.  Are there some indicators that you have fallen down or are heading the wrong way?  What are you doing to get back on the right path?


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 

 The more a person fears and respects God, the more he or she will hate evil. Love for God and love for sin cannot coexist.  Harboring secrets sins means that you are tolerating evil within yourself. Make a clean break with sin and commit yourself completely to God.


Under Gods Command

 

Proverbs 7:4-23  (4) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (6) At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. (7) I saw among the simple, I noticed among young men, a youth who lacked judgment.  He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.  Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.  She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) (13) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:  I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.  So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! (16) I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (18) Come let’s drink deep of love morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (19) My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. (20)  He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.  (21)With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.  All at once he followed her like an ox gong to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (23) till and arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 

 

Proverbs 7:24-26 Now then my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.  Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.  Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 

 

Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well.  The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded (7:7). Without aim or direction an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations.  Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him.  Notice her strategies: she is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23).  To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God’s Word and wisdom. (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them-fast. 

 

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins.  First, guard your mind.  Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires.  Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin.  Third, don’t think only of the moment-focus on the future.  Today’s thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin. 


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 7:9-11 “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house which bears my Name, and say, “we are safe”- safe to do all these detestable things?  Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to your? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.  

 There are several parallels between how the people of Judah viewed their temple and how many today view their churches. (1) They didn’t make the temple part of their daily living.  We go to beautiful churches well-prepared for worship, but often we don’t take the presence of God with us through the week.  (2) The image of the temple became more important than the substance of faith.  The image of going to church and belonging to a group can become more important than a life changed for God.  (3) The people used their temple as a sanctuary.  Many use religious affiliation as a hideout, thinking it will protect them from evil and problems.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 6:10 To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed, so they cannot hear.  The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

 The people became angry and closed their ears.  They wanted no part of God’s commands because living for God did not appear very exciting.  As in Jeremiah’s day, people today dislike God’s demand for disciplined living.  As unsetting as people responses might be, we must continue to share God’s word.  Our responsibility is to present God’s word; their responsibility is to accept it.  We must not let what people want to hear determine what we say.


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 2:6-7 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He hold victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless. 

 God gives us wisdom and victory but not for drifting through life or acting irresponsibly with his gifts and resources.  If we are faithful and keep our purpose in life clearly in mid, he will keep us from pride and greed.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 5:21 – Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but do not see who have ears but do not hear.

 Have you spoken to someone, only to realize that the person hasn’t heard a word you were saying? Jeremiah told the people that their eyes and ears did them no good because they refused to see or hear God’s message.  The people of Judah and Israel were foolishly deaf when God promised blessings for obedience and destruction for disobedience.  When God speaks through his Word or his messengers, we harm ourselves if we fail to listen.  God’s message will never change us unless we listen to it.